From a friend who is very experinced in this tranny.

Quote
its 'AW 03-72LE' not 'AW372LE', so its all good


AW
series quick reference
Check Tag on Side of Case to Identify the Transmission

Speed Case Code Trans type
3 speed 03-55, 03-56, 03-75 = A40, A41, A43, AW55, BW55

4 speed 03-50, 03-51, 03-70 = A40D, A42D A43D, A44D,

4 speed 03-70, 03-71 = some AW70, AW71, AW72

4 speed 03-71, 03-71L, 03-71LE = A43D, A43DE, A46DE

4 speed 03-70L, 03-71LE, 03-72, 03-72L, 03-72LE
= A42DE, A42DL, A43DL, A43DE, A44DE
, A44DL, A45DL, A46DE, A46DL


They are the basic same tranny. He knows someone on Pirate who used a Zook tranny in his Kia.

And FWIW, I put the Short up on the lift and the bellhousing is removable. From all aspects and measurements, the GV or Sidekick bellhousing and t-case should work.

I got a used tranny/t-case along with front and rear diffs to start working on. I already have a R&P set that will fit/work in the front diff (Ring gear bolts right on, haven't installed the pinion, but the thread is the same as the kia), and in a taller ratio that stock. Just need to find a rear set, which a Ford buddy of mine says he thing he knows what might work.

Yankee Tim