I know this is a redundant response to the "lockers, lockers, lockers" thread. But I hate to leave a question hanging. The front axle is 26 spline. That is universal to all 1st generation Sportages. The rear differential on your 1999 is 28 spline. Kia switched the splines starting in 1998. Thus 1995-1997 models have 26 spline axles. All 1998 through the end of 1st gen production have 28 spline rear axles. And it doesn't matter if you have a 4x4, 2WD, manual or auto transmission. The rear axles are the same for any given model year. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

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="" />