I'm on the road in UT and needed new front ball joints, upper and lower, new rear shocks, and front brake pads. Had the work done at a locally recommended shop, not a dealership, using NAPA parts.

the shop rate is $72/hr and all the labor took 6.1 hrs. The lower ball joints were $407/pair, the upper $405/pair, the gas shocks were $191/pair (upgraded from OEM), and the pads were $96/pair. They supposedly did NOT charge me for removing all 4 calipers and polishing and lubbing the bolts. Total bill was $1689. Is this in the ball park? I have NO idea. The truck has 230,000 miles now, so I'm sure the front end needed some work.
Thanks.

 

price on the ball joints seems a little steep (ridiculous). other than that sounds like they charged the time they had into it, which is fine considering the ignorant hub removal on these things if it goes wrong.

personally, I don't consider gas shocks to be an upgrade, I prefer full hydraulic shocks for better longevity and load control.

that said, I don't think you got gypped on anything but the ball joint price. last time I bought them, they were about 100 bucks each, or 200/pair upper and lower

there are many people who will tell you I am wrong. happy motoring

 

I had new ball joints put on my '95 in 2008, and specified MOOG balljoints, which have a lifetime guarantee.

 

Pind, that's about my take on it as well.

Depending on the grade of BJ, even that was not completely out of line, Rock had one at 120is each, so 240, add the 40 percent standard markup, you get 336. I could see 350 or so.....

 

My bet is they charged you the full retail price NAPA puts on their receipts but hardly ever charges.
Think they do this so mechanics can jack up their parts prices.

 

Reading through older threads on here most people recommend XRF ball joints. You can get these on ebay for ~235 for all four.
At $72/hr labor rate I'd consider doing job myself. Myself I wouldn't pay that much and consider that too much to pay to shop.

 

Same here, the problem is, he was on the road and had to have it done........

 

Thanks to all respondents. I guess I have to "swallow" the full NAPA price when on the road.

 

All NAPA Parts are made in CHINA so whats your gripe? They mark up the parts 300% then they sell them to you. Why do you think NAPA buys all their parts from CHINA??

 

Labor seemed fair. and at 72$ an hour. A lot of shops ive been around are 90-120$

 

The ball joints were steep. My moog's were 86/each a few years back.

Did they check/r/r the trac bar?

 

A set of Moog ball joints plus shipping was $447 two years ago. Bought online.

Thought I had a good price.

Marc

 

Well, you may have paid just a little too much for the ball joints. NAPA Chassis Parts ball joints for your truck should cost about $130 each across the counter for the uppers and lowers, but they're made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. Other than that though everything else seems to be about right.

Source: I'm a NAPA counterman

 

not to jack the thread, but I just priced napa chassis ball joints and they were 90 for upers and 100 for lowers, So not sure how you got 130 each DJSIKES. just wondering?
I was not impressed, so I just bought entire set of XRF for less money.
and Im tired of MOOG crap lasting 25,000 miles before they are loose.

 

Roughstock, to answer your question, different Napa stores can have different pricing profiles for the exact same parts depending on their region and and the frequency in which the part is sold. Price can also vary if they're a smaller independent store like my own. Those ball joints in particular are on the high side of the price spectrum in my store.