Anyone do work on Trailblazers, etc?

[mystic96]

My parents have a Saab 97x which is a rebodied Trailblazer with the 5.3L and AWD

Monday afternoon the front differential on it decided to implode on itself and the shop my dad had it towed to wants $4k in rebuilt parts and $1k in labor to install everything.

I'm not too concerned about the work if he decides that he wants to have me fix it, but he wanted me to check around and see if I could find anyone that might be able to give him a better deal than dropping the $5k that they really don't have to spend on a car.

That being said, has anyone worked on these trucks before? I've read they're a bitch to mess with but I'm thinking it can't be that much worse than anything else.

We'll be looking at replacing basically the complete front axle assembly and transfer case, along with any of the supporting parts that need to be replaced as well.

So if I find the parts basically my dad was hoping I can find someone who can install them on the cheap.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Greenbullit and I did one this weekend.

[greenbullitt]

They're an interesting animal and not well engineered IMO but yes , we can help you out

[mystic96]

Greenbullit and I did one this weekend.

Wanna do another?? LOL


How bad was it? The front diff bolted to the motor, and the axle shafts running through the oil pan sounds kinda iffy.

I'm more concerned right now about tracking down all the right parts we need. Sounds like everything from the transfer case forward. I haven't been able to get up to Denton to look at it yet.

[Baron Von Crowder]

The diff is bolted to the oil pan, and there is an actuator on the other side. Half of the lower crossmember is welded into place, so you have to remove the one part that is bolted, and work around the rest. The lower and upper suspension arms can stay bolted up, but the rest has to come off, along with the steering rack, motor mounts, etc. I wouldnt attempt it on the ground, ever. Way too much working underneath that has to be moved, come out, etc.

[mystic96]

The diff is bolted to the oil pan, and there is an actuator on the other side. Half of the lower crossmember is welded into place, so you have to remove the one part that is bolted, and work around the rest. The lower and upper suspension arms can stay bolted up, but the rest has to come off, along with the steering rack, motor mounts, etc. I wouldnt attempt it on the ground, ever. Way too much working underneath that has to be moved, come out, etc.

Thanks for the info and the PM!

I think from what I've read on TBSS and GMTnation that we're gonna just remove the broken AWD parts and drive it RWD until we can get all the parts lined up. If you guys are still willing and want to make some cash I think we might can work something out. Up to my dad of course, it's his truck and his cash. Shoot me a round about figure sometime so I can let him know.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Not a problem. If that is AWD then you might have an issue with the t-case spinning the driveshaft and carrier. If it is the NP8, you shouldnt have too much issue.