The manual transmission and transfer case are both Getrag designed.

The transmission was built by Kia and the transfer case was built by Kanda.

This is according to the 1995 Sportage Technical Highlights Supplement.

The manual tranny isn't the connecting part, its the 4spd auto. This is what holds promise as the go between different engine options, different t-case options, and most importantly, t-case gearing options.

As far as the Kia t-case, it might be nice and all, but to take the Sport to the next level (for rockcrawling), it's gotta go or someone has to offer a 4.+:1 here in the states, and for under $600.

Shannon said the manual tranny is a french design made under license.

I don't like anything french, except sexx. Ever see the Pukegeot tranny in the XJ? A worthless turd if I ever seen one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Nope, from the time of introduction in 1994 the auto tranny has always been a 4 speed O/D unit. Here is a direct quote from the 1998 FSM:

"INTRODUCTION

The optional AW372LE transmission installed the Kia Sportage is a 4-speed (including overdrive) automatic transmission manufactured by Aisin Warner."

Since your wife works at a Kia Dealer she can verify this for herself. Group 42 in the Shop Manual.

I'm sorry, but this is more inaccurate information. The manual tranny is a Getrag of Germany design built under license. In fact, if you look at the case of any Sportage manual tranny it states "Getrag" right on the case.
And it is a very stout, although noisy, gearbox.

Group 41 of the shop manual clearly states this.

yank tim

for the last time, search. we have been over and over and over this, i did a mountain of research on this very subject. the problem in all cases is this:

even though some of the models you mention have the same tranny internals, the non-removable bellhousing on the Kia tranny has a different bolt pattern than any of the other trannies at both front and rear. not 100% sure if it is a totally differen casting or just drilled differently, but it is not a direct swap.

tim, would you like me to go search through all the years i've been here and pull out all the tech we have and put it into one nice and neat little thread for you?

thing is, if you had come in here less like you owned the place and more like you were looking for answers, my responses to your posts might have been a bit more friendly. in fact, i was feeling sorry just a few minutes ago about maybe being too hard on you about some of the other subjects we've discussed, until i came in here and saw you posting either bad or old information yet AGAIN.

i'm done discussing these things with you tim, either search or just weld the diffs and beat it into the ground, like you're so fond of thinking is a good idea.

Dave,
I know what your saying and I think I will stop looking at any post that is started by yank tim and I sugest you do the same. We know what we have and have done research since I bought mine new.
Dennis

Think I'm coming to the same conclusion. It appears that Timmy doesn't check his facts and is an instant wantabe sportage expert. I'm still learning about them and try to only publish things that I have personally checked out.
I'm still looking for a 3:1 gear set for a sportage transfer case.
Just my 2 cents.
Everet

If this thread turns sour like the previous one I swear I'm gonna get out the BFH and start swinging. DON'T TEST ME <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Now let me put everyone on a level playing field.

Yankee Tim: You are welcome here. Some of your ideas have merit. However, let me make some suggestions...

First, as Dave suggested, do a search. There is lots of good info to be found. But understand something. There NEVER was nor will there EVER be any significant aftermarket support for Sportage upgrades in North America. In Asia it's a different story. There is Tanker in Korea. And some support in Europe. If you check 4WD forums in places like Korea, Thailand, Greece, etc you will find heavily modded Sportages with lots of aftermarket units. The Sportage in the U.S. was sold as a "Mall Queen". Fully 99% never see off road. This group here is the exception. We DO run them off road. And you'll find no better experts than Dave or Dennis. LISTEN to them, they know what they are talking about.

Second, you need to check your facts about 1st Gen Sportages. Much of it is just flat out wrong.

And for everyone else. I can understand the frustration here. For years we've dealt with false promises and leads when it comes to building up our Sportages. But when it comes to "calling out" any member of the Wire that is my responsibility.

Sorry Axe, I'm not trying to cause problems, If he has questions I will be glad to help out as much as I can but you know how much all of us has tryed to find stuff and ended up making what we could our self.
Put the BFH away, I'll play nice!
Dennis

Wow, just been watchin a bit.....and I'm not all that educated,but I know I have read several places that the mannuals ARE GERTAG. I wouldnt be amased that teh axels match. Think about it, why would Zook or Kia design another if one for teh same weight class was already in production.
Engine swap ideas would be cool, but I'd bet my trany against a muncie rock crusher. Ive puller more than 20k lbs outa teh sand and it never barked.
Maybe Yank is trying to prove a point, but I still love my FULL FRAME CHASIS. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

(And yea, I cant type!)