need tips on purchasing a Tracker/Sidekick

[leica]

I have read a few threads on the forum so far, and I have seen the ECU problems mentioned in early models. Should I hold out for a '96 or newer for this issue alone?

I'm looking at a '94 with 135k miles. The guy wants a grand for it, but the check engine light is on and it idles a little rough. The clutch is also VERY hard to depress, and the power steering seems to be going. Is it worth the price to deal with the issues? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone make door kits to easily remove and install the doors?

[jtgh]

good questions!
ECU can be had for $70 swap, not bad but you will be down for 2 days , express mail and plug in time 1 hour.
what is nice about 96 or newer is the smarter computers.
they have more things to fail but they give clearer details of the problem:
like misfire or gas cap loose . or bad EGR circuit
AND YOU CAN CAPTURE LIVE DATA, < fantastic it is.

2 non- stock HD clutch or pilot shaft is rusty on tranny. both expensive $300 fix.(labor)
3 good price if it runs and is rust free.
4 idles rough, is EGR stuck open or needs tune up or has sticking closed injector ( is this 16 Valve engine)
16 Valve written on top cover of engine, blank = 8valve.

5
many Track Kicks have no power steering at all.!

look for pump on left side of engine and oil filler.
never drive slow and it will not be a problem HAHAHAH.

door kits, yes, search this forum , it is mentioned some where and who, makes them.

best wishes to you and your kick adventures.

[leica]

Thanks for responding. So the later and better ECU is plug and play? Why would it be down for two days?

I know what an HD clutch feels like, and this one felt more like the clutch pedal itself needed lubrication, so I'm assuming it's the pilot shaft. Either way, I might as well replace the clutch if I have to remove the trans to fix the problem. I'm assuming a DIY clutch job isn't to difficult on these vehicles?

I'm in florida, so no rust issues here but I did notice rust on the battery tray.....Just like Suzuki Samurai's!

Not sure if it's a 16 or 8 valve, does it matter as long as it runs well? (it does)

[edit] I tried searching for door kits but came up with nothing, if you could help me out with that, I'd really appreciate it.

[edit #2] I just offered the guy $800 and he accepted. Picking it up tonight, will post pics later

[jtgh]

ecu , i just ment delay sending it in for overhaul and round trip snail mail.
the cable is rusty and needs lube, ( they sell great motorcycle cable lube kits)
i will look for door kits today. on other forum.

[leica]

Originally Posted by jtgh

i will look for door kits today. on other forum.

Cool, thanks.

Is the other forum a Tracker/Sidekick forum? Got a link?

Also, if you know of any other websites/tutorials let me know, I can use all the info I can get. I'm sure I'll eventually be rebuilding the motor and other things.

[jtgh]

i made you a links page; see below:
buying tips:
compression test! passes ( over 170psi hot and equal)
transmission does not whine in neutral clutch out.!
the rest is much easier to deal with, tires, brakes , tuneups, etc.
when I bought mine I new the tranny was junk. but
i deducted the price of that. by $1000

kiko-links


ENJOY !

[jtgh]

Doors, removable , easy.

Suzuki Samurai - Removable Doors - Suzuki/Geo at Off-Road.com


you could buy used hinges at a wrecking yard and mode them keeping orgional , untouched.
couldnt find any PREMADE'S.
many people asked same question here.
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0

[leica]

The link is to a Samurai door removal.....Do the Tracker hinges work the same way but behind the fender? It looks like they will be a bitch to get to.

[jtgh]

first you remove them ! then everything is open.
never saw a kick done .
basically you are cutting off the top of the pin,
then you just drop door on to said pins.

wouldnt do it till we find another doer.

[leica]

Ok, cool. Thanks for all the help. I don't know when I'll get to the doors, but when I do I'll document it. For now, the thing is FILTHY and I have lots of cleaning to do. I wasn't able to give it a compression test (don't have a tester) but it runs good, and I figured for 800 bucks, I'll just deal with whatever it needs. Should be fun.