New to the site, buying a '90 Geo Tracker

[Tracker1990]

Hello everyone.

I'm going to be purchasing a 1990 Geo Tracker LSI 4WD 5 speed from a friend. It is in average condition overall, no glaring problems except that it's stuck in 4th gear. I've done some reading here and i've seen a few people that have had similar issues. While I don't have the patience to rebuild the transmission, i plan on replacing it with a junkyard unit. However I have a few questions.

Am I correct that there are various transmission that these use? I downloaded a rebulld manual, and it shows two different types. But it links them with engine model numbers, and im not sure which i have.

Also, are there any special problems these have that I should be aware of or check for? Any special tips for replacing the transmission? Is the transfer case built into the transmission or seperate? I do a lot of extensive automotive mechanical work myself, so replacing it is no problem. Im just wondering if it's an overly difficult job on this particular vehicle.

Thanks in advance, and if all goes well you'll see my around these boards quite often.

[The_Original _Modifier]

Welcome and congrats. I Just purchased a 92 as well- Auto though, lol.



Mod

[Tracker1990]

Thank you for the welcome

I'll probably be removing the transmission this weekend, giving it a tuneup, fixing a small exhaust leak and giving it a much needed bath. I just need to figure out exactly what transmission I need, and what models have it.

[JLX 1993]

Originally Posted by Tracker1990

Thank you for the welcome

I'll probably be removing the transmission this weekend, giving it a tuneup, fixing a small exhaust leak and giving it a much needed bath. I just need to figure out exactly what transmission I need, and what models have it.

Manual or auto? I guess that's where you should start?

[The_Original _Modifier]

He did say 5 speed..... LOL


Mod

[-Lawless]

I too have a '90 LSI and love it.
You can search all of my posts to see all of the troubles I have had lately but don't let that discourage you!
The PO (previous owner) play havac on the girl. Looks like the coolant sensor went bad and instead of tracking down the actual problem, he/she/it decided to rip out most of the wires that control the engine
Other little issues came up but with the help of this forum and especially Jerry, everything is running just fine.
Fun little car to have. We go 4-wheeling alot in it.
Wish I could help you with your identification though.
I'm sure Jerry or someone else can get it for you.
Good luck and again Welcome to the Forums.

[-Lawless]

According to this site, all 89-97 Geo Trackers and Susuki Sidekicks use the same 5 speed manual trannies.
Manual transmission parts, rebuild kits and overhaul kits Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker

[Tracker1990]

Originally Posted by -Lawless

According to this site, all 89-97 Geo Trackers and Susuki Sidekicks use the same 5 speed manual trannies.
Manual transmission parts, rebuild kits and overhaul kits Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker

Good to hear!

I'm in the process of pulling the old one now... that bracket that goes over the cat is an absolute pain. I ended up just dropping the exhaust from the muffler forward to give me the extra clearance I need to drop/re-install the transmission.

Some of the bellhousing bolts were a bit of a twist to access, but I have to get a transmission jack before I can go any further. It's just too bottom heavy to do with the transfer case attached with a regular floorjack and some wood.

[rudar]

Ain't it great when you get half-way into a project and then realise you need a few more $100 worth of tools, which you need to pick up in the car you just disassembled?

[The_Original _Modifier]

Lol so true. But no I love tool shopping, that is until you're working on something just to find out you needed it before you started or even for got to grab along with all the other tools you had to have while out shopping, lol.


Mod