[AckerDackerly]

Someone on the internet here in the US has stated that the 5-speed manual gearbox used with "J-series" engines has a removable bellhousing unlike the 5-speed gearbox found on first- and second-generation G16 Vitaras.

Since I do not have direct access to any "J"-engined Vitaras (I used to own a 1996 J18-equipped Sidekick Sport LWB and a 2002 J26 Tracker LWB) I can't verify this statement myself.

So, I ask those who would know -- Do J-equipped Vits with manual 5-speed gearboxes that have removable bellhousings?

Not wanting to look any more stupid than I already am, I remain,

[ozzycouch]

AckerDackerly wrote:

the 5-speed manual gearbox used with "J-series" engines has a removable bellhousing unlike the 5-speed gearbox found on first- and second-generation G16 Vitaras.

Not that it answers the question, but all the manual g16 gearboxes I've pulled out have had removable bellhousings.

[watermouse]

The G16b Vitara and J20a are the same bellhousing and gearbox. Yes, the bellhousing are removable. The difference in the box is only the 5th ratio and reverse.

from my notes:

Vitara
Manual Transmission
Type Five-speed, all synchromesh
Clutch Dry, single disc, diaphragm spring
Gear ratios
1st 3.65
2nd 1.95
3rd 1.38
4th 1.00
5th 0.86
Reverse 3.67

GV J20A 2.0
Type 4 A/T 5 M/T
Gear ratio 1 2.826 3.652
2 1.493 1.947
3 1.000 1.379
4 0.685 1.000
5 - 0.795
Reverse 2.703 4.000
Final gear ratio 4.875 4.875

[AckerDackerly]

Epic stupidity on my part!!!

I just looked at the first-generation Sidekick (Vitara) gearbox in my basement (a cyclone safety feature...) and it has a removable bell housing!

Proof that the hardest lessons learnt are not always the result of physical harm.

Thanks for all your replies!

[fordem]

The parts catalogues also confirm, ALL generations of the Vitara, SE (89~98), SV (96~98) & SQ (98~05) have removable bell housings

[Boness17]

Im currently chasing info on this as i am struggling to a gbox for my j20a what exactly is diff in this swap do i have to change clutch ext ext