SQL 2000 Replication (Merge or Transactional)

[Bsmithx0]

I have two SQL servers running Windows NT4.
SQL1 is primary
SQL2 is backup

I need two way replication real-time (immediate updating). I know I could make SQL1 the publisher/distributor and the other a subscriber. However, we may need to take SQL1 publisher/distributor offline for maintenance or whatever the case may be. Therefore, I need SQL2 subscriber to become the publisher so it can update SQL1 when it comes back online..

I was looking between merge and transactional replication, but wasnt sure if I am going in the right direction. I dont want to get into clustering, unless that is the only way. Can anyone help me with this? I would greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks

Brian