Rear Differential for '88 Chevy Suburban

[amos1]

I have a '88 chevy suburban 4x4 1/2 ton with approx. 189,000 miles on it. It has been through 3 plow seasons with current owner. Last year I was rough on it.

All that said, the rear differential (among other things) is going bad. Is this an easy fix for a weekend mechanic to fix/replace? If so, what's the cost?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

amos1

[MrShorty]

Depends a lot on what is going bad. Wheel and pinion bearings shouldn't be too bad for a DIY project. Spider gears can probably be handled at home. Carrier and/or ring and pinion replacement aren't tasks usually recommended for the inexperienced or faint of heart.

1st step would be to identify the problem and determine the cause. While you're at it, it wouldn't hurt to positively identify the axle (I expect it's a 10 bolt, 8.5 inch ring gear, semi-floater). Once the problem is specifically identified, then we can work on what needs to be done next.

[collinsperformance]

i do not have the tools to properly setup a rear end for a rebuild. most places i called or worked with will replace the bearings and set up the rear end run $279 if you bring in the rear end or add $100 if you drive it in and then add in the cost of what ever parts you might need.....mike