My 97 Sidekick 4 door 5 speed s getting a little beat with 270,000 km on it. I figure I could probably wring another year out of it, but I know I can get probably $2000 for it the way it sits currently. I was browsing the classifieds and came across a 1993 Sidekick 4 door AUTOMATIC with only 172,000 km on it for $4700 OBO. Here's what I'm thinking: I'll buy the 1993 and slowly transfer all my parts over. Parts include:

Detroit Locker rear diff (just swap the 3rd members, do the front too to get 5.13's front and rear)
4.24:1 t-case (I can just swap the cases and rear driveshafts, right? I know the 96 and later had a different spline style but if the shaft is swapped with the case, it's not a problem, correct?)
Tires, rims, skidplates, speakers
I'd put a ZukiNation 4" lift or Calmini 3" lift on right away too, possibly swap my 2" body lift over if the tires rub.

Would it actually be possible to put a 5 speed in an automatic-equipped Sidekick? I prefer rowing my own gears but if it's a PITA to do, screw it.

Any other things I wouldn't be able to swap right over?

Sound like a pretty good plan?

I'm wondering if at that point it might be easier just to switch the engine over...

No, EVERYTHING on this lil truck is beat. I'd rather do a little more work and have a "newer" truck than swap a new engine into a POS.

It's either this, or buy either a Toyota pickup or Tacoma or 4Runner. I'm having a tough time deciding what I want. Suzuki's are great because they are nimble and fuel-friendly. They suck because they are slow on 31's and they lack high ground clearance. Toyotas are nice because even in stock form they darn near go everywhere my Sidekick will go. They have excellent ground clearance, good power, and if you get a regular cab short box, it's not that much bigger than a 4 door.

Sidekick vs 4Runner vs Tacoma...what do I do??

If you want power, good MPG, 4-doors and 31" tires, don't forget mitsubishi, Isuzu & Nissan.