Installing An Air Locker In A 1999-2003 Chevy Tracker Vitara Is Possible! (With Some Modifications)

Full installation guide and details on the modifications needed to fit an RD209 air locker into a 1999-2003 second generation Tracker or Vitara. I took the risk and tested this out then documented it so you don't have to!
This is how I did it. Post your thoughts in the comments because I'm always up for learning!
Hope you enjoy!
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[@diymetalfabrication]

Somebody recently brought up a good point that I didn't cover in the video: Why didn't I just grab a 3rd member out of an 88-98' Tracker/Sidekick?
My answer is, yes I could have but I would have had to source one from a donor vehicle and would have likely paid as much or more for that than I did for the machining on the ring gear. Also, if the gear ratio isn't the same, I would have also needed to install a different gearset in the diff which would have cost even more $ and been harder to set up especially for novices.
But if you have access to a Tracker/Sidekick for parts, I think the 3rd member will bolt right in.

[@juanramos925]

Hey boss do you think this work work on 04?

[@diymetalfabrication]

Possibly. According to Wikipedia, 2003 is the year the smaller Vitara was pulled from the market. If your '04 is the smaller Vitara and not the larger XL7 style then it should work.
It sounds like for the XL7 they beefed up the rear end and changed the driveshaft to a CV style. I don't have access to one to confirm though.
Do you know if yours is the XL7 version?