You would be better off with a Trooper if you want interchangeable parts. The front suspension is more narrow on a Rodeo so you can't use the half shafts in the VX. Also, I'm pretty sure the 98 Rodeos had a Dana 44 rear axle on leaf springs. Personally, I don't think its worth buying an entire parts car for an engine that you can easily buy separately & how good will the engine be with 178,000 miles. Just a thought.