Yep, this bit of Sportage-trivia is only pertinent rear diffs on model years through '97. The '98s and up have a rear diff with a different spline count. I believe the front diff is still the same. So you should be able to swap out the front diff with any compatible type (RX-7, Miata, OBX?). However(!), you can put a TrackFinder locker in your rear diff (open-type), which is a not an option for the 26-spline types. I would opt for a locker in the rear if they were available. Didn't you contact TrackFinder to get a price for the locker shipped to Alaska?

1997 Sportage 4x4, auto-trans, Warn manual hubs, 4" UPYOURKIA front lift, TJ 106AA rear springs, 2-5/8" body lift, 31x10.50 treads, SmittyBilt SRC front and XRC rear bumper, swing-out tire mount, OBX LSD front diff, Track Finder rear locker, 5.38 R&Ps and... really crappy gas mileage! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />