Suzuki: rear wheel-bearing, rear wheel bearings, bearing retainers

Question
dear Scott

i have a 1984 sj410 and was wondering if my vehicle has rear wheel-bearings and if so how would i go about replacing them??? if you could please assist me i would be very grateful

thanx for an awesome site your advice is greatly appreciated

Answer
Yes it does have rear wheel bearings, and they're a little difficult to replace.

It's necessary to pull the rear drums, disconnect the rear brake hydraulic lines, and the parking brake linkage to permit the removal of the brake backing plates after removing the four bolts securing the bearing retainers and the backing plates.
The axles with bearings attached can now be removed.  The bearings are retained by a press-on ring which is part of the bearing kit.  usually, it's necessary to cut the ring, with either a cut-off wheel, or a cutting torch, being careful, of course to avoid damaging the axle either by cutting too deep, or overheating it with the cutting torch.  After the ring is removed, the bearing can be replaced, and it's sometimes necessary to cut it as well.  Don't forget to acquire and replace the axle seals that are installed into the axle housing.
drive the new bearing onto the axle, followed by the retainer ring, and then reverse the disassembly procedure to reassemble.  When you open the brake lines at the beginning, place a stick or whatever between the seat and brake pedal keeping it depressed, and all the brake fluid won't run out.  Doing this will make bleeding the brakes easier.(yes, do all four wheels, starting with the rears) (it may be necessary to disconnect the battery, because depressing the brake pedal will leave the brake lights on, potentially running the battery down.
After you're all done, check and top up the differential lubricant, and you should be ready to roll.  Obviously, if the rear brake shoes are worn, this would be a good time to replace them.
good luck, and have fun 4wheeling!
scotty