Bad news from the mechanic - any insight greatly appreciated!

[NewArt]

Yes, the rears are a bit more difficult, mostly because of those pesky axles which need to be undone at the transmission flange. A long extension bar is your friend here. The other difficult thing is torquing the control arm nut: use the butt dyno torque wrench here, like just about everyone else.
It’s a good job but not really that complicated. Good satisfaction feeling afterwards.