Yes, the OBX diff works in the front axle of the Sportage. And that should hold true for all 4x4 Sportages made from 1995-2005 (they all have 26-sline x 27mm axles and 7" ring gears and use the same carrier and pinion bearings - only the rear diff changed starting in 1998, which was only a change in the axle and spider gears' spline count to 28-spline x 29mm; nothing else). As far as testing, I have only road tested it on paved streets. I haven't had a chance to hit a trail yet. However, it feels fine - no clunks or chunks or grinds. I am confident that it will be an improvement over the open-carrier that is stock equipment on the front end. For the price, it seems to be a very good solution... so far. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />