Just got my first sidekick

[Rca1965]

Hi everyone, i just bought my first sidekick, it is a 1989. was wondering if there is anything i need to know about this vehicle? also can you shift into 4x4 on the fly? also does anyone know of any parts catalogs that specialize in the sidekick. Thanks, Russell

[92Sidekick]

Welcome! Well the first thing you should know is no, you cannot shift it into 4 wheel drive on the fly. Secondly get your car oil sprayed every year, if there is any rust on the car now get it taken care of right away, speaking from experience. If you have manual locking hubs use them at least once a month because they will rust up and break. I recommmend putting some clear rust proofing stuff on them so that they dont get to rusty and break.The one common rust area that causing problems in on the driver side of the vehicle at the top of the wheel well. It rusts very badly in there and if it goes right threw it will cause water to get on your wires and cause serious electrical problems so if it is rusted take care of that right away. Other then that you should be fine if I think of anything else ill let ya know, hope you enjoy your car and again i welcome you.

[94box]

congrats on your purchase, the owners manual states that once the manual hubs are locked you can shift on the fly, (wheels pointed straight and speedometer under a 100km/h -- when shifting, clutch pressed in or if auto, foot off the gas) if you have auto locking hubs, you must come to a stop, then shift into 4X4, once hubs are locked you can then shift on the fly.

i recommend you replace the fluids, front & rear diff, transfer case, tranny, haynes and chilton books are good reference material, timing belt recommended every 100,000 kms. so just the usual. please see the technical q&a for more info on specific problems/procedures.

94box.

[3wheelerdude]

94box said:

congrats on your purchase, the owners manual states that once the manual hubs are locked you can shift on the fly, (wheels pointed straight and speedometer under a 100km/h -- when shifting, clutch pressed in or if auto, foot off the gas) if you have auto locking hubs, you must come to a stop, then shift into 4X4, once hubs are locked you can then shift on the fly.

i recommend you replace the fluids, front & rear diff, transfer case, tranny, haynes and chilton books are good reference material, timing belt recommended every 100,000 kms. so just the usual. please see the technical q&a for more info on specific problems/procedures.

94box.

Ill have to agree with 94box excellent advices. Ill just add that if your gonna have the timing belt replaced, might as well get the water pump done while its all accessible. And for 4x4 on the fly, as mentioned above its YES if hubs are locked. Enjoy your new beast and dont be scared to use the search button and ask questions!!

[louthepou]

Two related previous posts:

sidekick.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=sidekick&action=display&thread=1104886642

sidekick.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=sidekick&action=display&thread=1107499455

Welcome to the forum, cheers!

Louis

[94box]

thanks 3wheeler, forgot that one

[Gman]

Welcome to the forum.

My advice is: don't assume all Sidekicks are alike. Before you buy anything used, make sure it is compatable with your 89. (almost everything changed over the years)

Listen to your Engine and drivetrain (it will almost always warn you before leaving you stranded)

If anything seems odd, bring it to us on the Tech. Q & A board.

You are welcome, and no charge...

I'd make sure there's always coolant in the overflow tank. And if you have to add... check the drain holes in the water pump, and for other leaks.

I like to know the Lockouts are in good condition (because they wear more in 2WD and replacements will someday get harder to find)

Adjusting the valves may prolong the Valve job that becomes necessary in a lot of these vehicles from 110k to 175k miles.. Plus there are rocker arm screws that get loose... and have caused blown engines.

See you on the Tech. Side,

Jeff