93 2wd wrecked rear end (help)

[jaybird2569]

Hello,
My wife was in an accident, someone ran into the drivers side just behind the rear door, knocking the rear end loose (damaged spring and leaf springs) but no frame damage. The body shop quoted me $7000 to fix (with body work) but I want to know if I could put the rear end back on myself. I'm not concerned with the body work just yet, I just want to get the Suburban back on the road. I don't think the rear end is damaged and the driveshaft is still attached. If you need any specifics just let me know.

Thank you,
Jay Collins

[idmetro]

jaybird;
welcome to AF. If you are moderately handy I'm sure you could put the rear end back on yourself (my 12 yr old son and I just replaced the one in our 86 suburban this weekend). Is the differential damaged or just the springs? You should be able to get one or both at a local wrecking yard; be sure to call around as there is a wide range of pricing, you can also check http://car-part.com/ it will allow you to check around the area/region.
Keep in mind it is a big heavy chunk of iron for one person to move around but with a floor jack, some patience and a little creativity it can be done. Mke sure you are never underneath it! If it should fall you want to be able to let it go without risk to yourself. You will want a 3/4" drive socket set to loosen/remove the u bolts (be sure to support the axle so it doesn't move on you), you will also need to pull the driveline, the shock absorbers and possibly the brake line depending how much you have to move it. You will need some heavy duty jackstands to support the rig while you work on it. You may need some tubing wrenches if the brake lines are damaged. Be prepared for some rather stout bolts (you may need a cheater bar or better yet if you have access to one an impact wrench). A good can of penetrating oil will also be on your list. I'd start by going out and wire brushing the ends of the ubolts holding the axles to the springs and the schock mounting bolts then give them a good shot of penetrating oil. let that sit while you gather the rest of the tools/supplies. Good Luck!

[jaybird2569]

Thanks idmetro,
The diff is not damaged, just the leaf springs and rims/tires. I have a compressor and air tools, floor jack, heavy duty stands. I didn't think it would be alot of trouble, just wanted to ask some other Suburban owners first for their input. I'll let ya know how it goes. Jay

[idmetro]

Sounds like you are well equipped. I end up doing most of my work solo; I found that I could run one of the ratcheting tie down straps around both frame rails and under the driveline to act like a cradle, then when I pulled it loose from the differential I didn't drop it on the ground knocking off the end cap of the ujoint and spewing roller bearings all over. In my case my old emergency brake cables were in poor shape so I swapped for a better set, the biggest difficulty was getting the little expandable "fingers" on the cable back through the fitting. Naturally after I was done I "discovered" there is a tool for the job.... In my case if I had more time available I would have pulled the springs sent them out for rearching and had an extra leaf added to get rid of the squat. Another project for another day. Hope yours goes well.