What should it take time & $, for a shop to replace both rear wheel bearings on my '81 242? Opinions? Tough job? Parts$?
-Thanks

the bearing kits are relatively expensive, $80+ ea here, as I believe there's special 2 seals, the bearing and a circlip or shrink-on sleeve of some sort. Removing the axle is: take off wheel, caliper, brake rotor, (handbrake?), remove 4 bearing retainer bolts and extract axle with bearing in holder. Split off shrink-fit retainer with cold chisel and hammer, slide bearing and retainer from axle and 'probably' press bearing out. Press in new bearing with its new seals, and fit to axle. Heat new shrink retainer and quickly slide into place behind bearing at shaft extremity-you must be quick, and you only get one chance to do it right-let cool to grip, then test to see it won't slip along shaft-re-assemble the remainder, repeat other side. If no shrink fit collar, then circlips retain axle bearing at end of shaft. These will prob be quite thick, as they have a lot to withstand. Also, bearing may mount into the hollow tube the shaft runs in from the diff. that will make extraction more difficult-you'll prob need a hammer type puller if so.
BTW, it pays to test fit of new parts in case of wear of primary components. IE I have an axle with 8mm end float-I will replace the diff/axle assembly completely for an affordable fix.

Allow at least 1 1/2 hrs to do this job well. If your quote is less, well and good, but it can get complicated when things are old and worn/jammed.