Mechanic Prices????

[Cwils80]

So this is more of a rant than anything. Got some money. Didn't know what to spend it on. Decided core 4x4 upper and lower arms. Ain't got my tools or jack at my new place yet. Called a shop that's supposed to specialize in lift kits and what not. Ask how much for labor. $350........ After a $50 discount.... Is it just me or is this pretty ridiculous for 4 bolts. I was expecting like $200..

 

[jawzs2]

Depends on the "book time" x hourly labor rate for replacing them. $400 sounds like 4 hours x $100 an hour. 2 hours a side doesn't sound that unreasonable.

 

[Cwils80]

Depends on the "book time" x hourly labor rate for replacing them. $400 sounds like 4 hours x $100 an hour. 2 hours a side doesn't sound that unreasonable.

It was 1.5 hours per side at 120 and hour. 180 total per side after tax was close to $400. Maybe it's because I've gotten good deals in the past maybe with other shops.

 

[Cwils80]

I remember getting a water pump and idler pull replaced on my 3rd Gen Dakota for $400 or so. Of course different shop different truck, but still. That's with parts and coolant.

 

[stimpy433]

A lot of places charge more to install parts that they aren’t providing since they aren’t making any money on the parts themselves.

 

[Cwils80]

A lot of places charge more to install parts that they aren’t providing since they aren’t making any money on the parts themselves.

Okay that I can see.

 

[kurek]

That cost doesn't sound out of line to me.

 

[rule18]

Last time I was at a shop, I think the labor rate was around $90/hr, so your shop's pricing seems pretty legit.

 

[stevenram]

If you think mechanics prices are high wait until you need a plumber!!

 

[Cwils80]

If you think mechanics prices are high wait until you need a plumber!!

LOL that's a good one! No kidding on that!

 

[Tim Garceau]

You can buy a 1/2” drive breaker bar, 24mm socket, a decent floor jack, and stands for well under that.

What you can’t buy is a good back and strong arms along with time, which is understandable.

 

[kolya]

I have mentioned before, that at my age, my favorite tool is my checkbook. I don't need anymore crunched toes or missing fingers. I had a Ranch Hand brush guard that I wanted installed on my Ram before deer season. I work about a mile from a well-respected body shop, and I proposed my job to be a "fill-in" for a lapse in his scheduled day.

About a week later he called late in the day to arrange for my truck to be at his shop first thing in the morning, as some scheduled repair parts for a big job would be running late. I was there to fill in 1.5-2 hours of unproductive time for 2 techs. He wins, I win, employees win, my checkbook wins.

 

[misfit77]

You forgot they have to release 2 ball joints, sway bars and possibly brake calipers.

Price aint bad. I only have 2 issues....how many shops will tighten the bolts with with weight on the wheels and this quote does not include an alignment.

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you think mechanics prices are high wait until you need a plumber!!

I do everything myself. I refuse to pay anyone.

 

[misfit77]

I do everything myself. I refuse to pay anyone.

And you know its done right.

 

[DILLIGAF]

And you know its done right.

Yup

 

[misfit77]

Keep in mind i paid $400 for installing a Trutrac. That includes new bearings.

It hurts but the dude is good and way more complicated than control arms.

 

[NOV87]

Keep in mind i paid $400 for installing a Trutrac. That includes new bearings.

I'd go with it in heartbeat. All of the quotes I got in my area were north of $1200. So, I will tackle it myself.

 

[Cwils80]

You can buy a 1/2” drive breaker bar, 24mm socket, a decent floor jack, and stands for well under that.

What you can’t buy is a good back and strong arms along with time, which is understandable.

100% correct here. Time especially in my case.

You forgot they have to release 2 ball joints, sway bars and possibly brake calipers.

Price aint bad. I only have 2 issues....how many shops will tighten the bolts with with weight on the wheels and this quote does not include an alignment.

Ahh I didn't mention I have 4x4 so these are the rear arms. That's 4 bolts per side and a little fighting the arm and drivetrain to get back in. After seeing that I'll come up with the time somewhere to get my tools and jack lol

 

[Tim Garceau]

The rear will stay planted much better in combination with firmer shocks and a solid sway bar. Unless you have a completely egged-out bushing and getting knock or shuddering under acceleration, personally would wait for tools. Especially if you get any salt/snow down there in TN with the JJ being unsealed.