Thanks! Any idea of who the poster was? Ive gone back through quite aways and it seemed as long as went with manual hubs and didnt care about not having the 4wd light on the dash it was bolt on. Im not doubting you, its just all I have found so far. Regardless of the 4x4 issues, I still need to swap the engine, if for nothing else but to be able to sell the one I have.

So from your post. I can use the long block (head and block) but should keep my intake and intake manifold? What about the exhaust manifold? Do you know if they are the same? Mine is cracked in several places and its not worth the hassle to try and weld.

Please forgive the questions I dont have the 97 parts truck yet so I cant compare everything side by side.

As far as the lift, tires and rims I already have all that. I got the TJ springs from a friend, fabricated a set of front spacers for the top of the struts, a drop mount for the panhard, new rear shock mounts, and had the rims and 30x 9.5r15 tires. The fab and mechanical work is the easy part I have a 2 post lift, welders, plasma cutter, and two full snap on tool boxes. Its the lack of familiarity with what year Sportages are compatible. I have no idea what years are the same and what years things changed.