Hey guys i am a long time lurker first time poster. I got a 88 sami for free a few weeks ago that is basically a frame because the body was so rusted up. No drive train at all, no supension, axles or anything. Already got some yota axles, free 31" MTRs, wheels and YJ springs. Its coming together slowly using a lot of the info on this site. My biggest problem is trying to figure out what drivetrain to throw in there. Since its basically a clean slate that I can cut and fit whatever I want. I just got a lead on a sidekick that needs the head put back on but is complete for $300.
Long story short whats the down fall to using the entire sidekick drivetrain compared to the 1.6 mated to a sami tranny and t-case? I would think that it would be stronger than the smaller sami stuff but then again no one does it. what do you guys think?

the sidekick trans is larger and stronger, but is also longer. you will not be able to use a sammi t-case without expensive adapters in a short wheel base setup. my broothers uses a 1.6, sidekick2wd 5 speed, and a shortened intermediate shaft with sidekick slip yoke. the motor is pushed as far forward as we can, and there is a pusher fan on the front of the radiator. we can almost fit the battery between the back of the engine and the firewall. and we still have the t-case moved back a little I think.

So keeping the 1.6 out of the sidekick is all its good for then? I could just find a sami trans and t-case in a junkyard and buy the adapter. Sounds good to me.

ya unless you have a stretched wheel base, and want a long drivetrain.

You could also run the sidekick engine, tranny, and tcase together. Your driveline should line up with the centered rear axle. They make a decent gear kit for the sidekick tcases now.

More options with a sammy t-case when upgrading gears. Also cheaper. The 1.3L tranny seems to hold fine with the 1.6L 8v. I would pick it up for $300, part the tranny and t-case and possibly get your money back outta the deal. Or at least make it so the engine only costed yah $100. Then go buy a sammy tranny and t-case and wala.