Labor estimate

[SadRobot]

Good lord.. numbers like that hurt my soul.

They weren't all the bad. The lowest estimate I was able to get was 1k.

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[ketelhut]

As already stated, knuckles should not add to the cost. I had ball joints & knuckles put on for less than $1K, and that included the alignment. It may be worth a drive just a little north.

 

[SadRobot]

As already stated, knuckles should not add to the cost. I had ball joints & knuckles put on for less than $1K, and that included the alignment. It may be worth a drive just a little north.

Where did you get yours done?

This was actually the full estimate:

So ball joints/knuckles + alignment = $1350

I already took care of the track bar bushings so that's no longer relevant.

I was able to get my quick disconnect bushing pushed back into place myself so I guess that saved me $200.

 

[ketelhut]

Where did you get yours done?

This was actually the full estimate:

So ball joints/knuckles + alignment = $1350

I already took care of the track bar bushings so that's no longer relevant.

I was able to get my quick disconnect bushing pushed back into place myself so I guess that saved me $200.

Road & Truck Accessories in Thousand Oaks, (805) 495-6657, owner is Randy. They've done lots of work on my Jeep & I've never had a problem with anything they've done. They're really good.

 

[SadRobot]

Road & Truck Accessories in Thousand Oaks, (805) 495-6657, owner is Randy. They've done lots of work on my Jeep & I've never had a problem with anything they've done. They're really good.

Thanks, I'm always willing to drive far away. I had to drive 2 hours to get my clutch replaced.

Edit: They are going to get back to me with an estimate. The guy did ask me if I only wanted the fronts installed or fronts and rear which begs some questions.........

 

[SadRobot]

I just got another estimate that was a base of $960 BUT he said with the Reid knuckles he has to install an additional part and make adjustments to my track bar which could take more time and end up costing more money and wouldn't know until he starts taking things apart.

 

[Roky]

I just got another estimate that was a base of $960 BUT he said with the Reid knuckles he has to install an additional part and make adjustments to my track bar which could take more time and end up costing more money and wouldn't know until he starts taking things apart.

Run….

 

[Tread4Lo]

Why would the trackbar need to be adjusted with the balljoints/knuckles. This part is only frame to axle and doesn't touch the bj's or the knuckles.

Back to my assessment again. Everybody trying to nickel and dime you on a job they know will be relatively quick.

 

[SadRobot]

Run….

I also asked if the $960 included an alignment and response was "Well yeah I guess we could do an alignment if you want one."

 

[SadRobot]

Why would the trackbar need to be adjusted with the balljoints/knuckles. This part is only frame to axle and doesn't touch the bj's or the knuckles.

Back to my assessment again. Everybody trying to nickel and dime you on a job they know will be relatively quick.

I have no idea why the trackbar would need to be adjusted unless I'm missing something. I know from the forums that the Reid's have some stops that need to be ground down to match stock but nothing about additional parts.

 

[Roky]

I have no idea why the trackbar would need to be adjusted unless I'm missing something. I know from the forums that the Reid's have some stops that need to be ground down to match stock but nothing about additional parts.

Haven’t you told any of these places that you are the reigning sexy Jeep contest winner, there should be some kind of discount for celebrities…..

 

[SadRobot]

Haven’t you told any of these places that you are the reigning sexy Jeep contest winner, there should be some kind of discount for celebrities…..

Ha it's almost like when I call them they aren't taking me seriously....... hmmmm......

 

[SadRobot]

Well I guess I have my answer. I called a 4th shop and they also came in at $1350 ($1050 for the labor and $300 for alignment). They said it's a full day job.

I also started the conversation stating I had Dynatrac Balljoints and Reid Racing knuckles and wanted to ask about getting an estimate on labor. Which then got the response "Is this for the front and rear?" and then "What kind of knuckles are you looking to put in? Factory OEM?"

Maybe it's me. Am I asking the question incorrectly? Is there a better way I can phrase my questions to shops to get a better response?

 

[Camaroboi13]

Well I guess I have my answer. I called a 4th shop and they also came in at $1350 ($1050 for the labor and $300 for alignment). They said it's a full day job.

$300 bucks to set the toe seems a little obnoxious to me. Call a couple local shops and see what an alignment costs, I’d be willing to bet you could save at least a hundred dollars there.

 

[SadRobot]

$300 bucks to set the toe seems a little obnoxious to me. Call a couple local shops and see what an alignment costs, I’d be willing to bet you could save at least a hundred dollars there.

They told me it was $300 since i had adjustable control arms. $180 if not. Maybe I am missing something there as well. An alignment involves adjusting the toe with tie rod and resetting the wheel with the drag link. How would the control arms need to be adjusted when installing ball joints and knuckles? If I'm wrong on that I will fully admit i don't know what I'm talking about.

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