Labor estimate

[SadRobot]

Just looking for some feedback. I got 2 estimates for install of some new balljoints & knuckles. One shop said $1500 another shop said $1350.

Does that sound like in the ballpark of what it should be costing? This was labor only. I've already bought the parts.

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[Steemax]

I don't have anything value to add other than I've used Blackstone Jeepshop in SCV before and they are skilled and pleasant to deal with. They're usually good with giving a accurate quote over the phone if you want to add a 3rd option.

 

[SadRobot]

I don't have anything value to add other than I've used Blackstone Jeepshop in SCV before and they are skilled and pleasant to deal with. They're usually good with giving a accurate quote over the phone if you want to add a 3rd option.

Thanks. I have called them previously about doing a t-case and/or clutch swap but they told me they would not do it. I never asked about steering/suspension components though so will have to give them a call about that.

 

[Digitac]

It’s been years (many years), but the guys at Brother’s 4x4 in Montclair did the clutch and a diff in my TJ. Not sure I’d call them “friendly” but they seemed knowledgeable and I’ve never had an issue with either.

 

[Roky]

Just looking for some feedback. I got 2 estimates for install of some new balljoints & knuckles. One shop said $1500 another shop said $1350.

Does that sound like in the ballpark of what it should be costing? This was labor only. I've already bought the parts.

Around here the book says 4.4 for uppers and 4.4 for lowers so you’re at 8,8 hours @ 150-180 per hour…. So at the high end you’re looking at 1584..00……They shouldn’t charge you for the knuckles, they come off anyway and all they have to do is swap over the wheel bearing……..Some independent shops will use the dealerships hour book, the difference being the hourly rate………

 

[SadRobot]

Around here the book says 4.4 for uppers and 4.4 for lowers so you’re at 8,8 hours @ 150-180 per hour…. So at the high end you’re looking at 1584..00……They shouldn’t charge you for the knuckles, they come off anyway and all they have to do is swap over the wheel bearing……..Some independent shops will use the dealerships hour book, the difference being the hourly rate………

That sounds about right then. They said 6 hours at $200/hr.

 

[JT1]

In LA that may be normal, out here I was quoted $600 for install on all 4 ball joints, swapping knuckles shouldn't cost extra since all that stuff is completely loose when you do the ball joints.

 

[Roky]

That sounds about right then. They said 6 hours at $200/hr.

I can do it for you for about half that, but you’d probably spend more than the other half in fuel here and back ….

 

[LukeDagny]

I recently paid ~ $900 for new ball joints and alignment for my TJ. I livre in a rural area, and shop rates are in the $100/hr range.

 

[SadRobot]

In LA that may be normal, out here I was quoted $600 for install on all 4 ball joints, swapping knuckles shouldn't cost extra since all that stuff is completely loose when you do the ball joints.

Ha yes as was proven in one of the broken windshield threads everything is more expensive here. Safelite charges almost triple the cost of anywhere else to replace a windshield if you live in CA.

 

[JT1]

Ha yes as was proven in one of the broken windshield threads everything is more expensive here. Safelite charges almost triple the cost of anywhere else to replace a windshield if you live in CA.

I balked at the $600 and did it myself... 1 afternoon in the garage and $100 in tools and it was done.

 

[Tread4Lo]

Book Time and Shop Rate is getting out of hand. You know damn well a "shop" that does this regular will not take six hours to complete this job. It's probably more in the line of 2-3. I've never done this job before, but I would venture to guess I would be at 6 hours.

Maybe it might be a vacation to AZ or NM. Which the price people are quoting would pay for a a couple nights in a hotel, fuel and entertainment.

 

[SadRobot]

I balked at the $600 and did it myself... 1 afternoon in the garage and $100 in tools and it was done.

Well at least it's not the craziest estimate I've ever gotten out here. When I was looking into a t-case swap I got an estimate for 6k and 3 days to put in a new t-case.

 

[AcesandEights]

Yeah, I was going to suggest buying the tools and doing the work yourself. A day and $1,500 to spend on the tools you need. Seems, if you have the time and space, you'll come out ahead by a grand or so.

ETA: I will say though, after a few years of doing things this way, you'll amass quite the set of tools and mechanical experience. Might take up too much room in the garage and lead to friends asking for install favors!

 

[JT1]

Well at least it's not the craziest estimate I've ever gotten out here. When I was looking into a t-case swap I got an estimate for 6k and 3 days to put in a new t-case.

Good lord.. numbers like that hurt my soul.

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