This truck is killing my wallet!!
#1
This truck is killing my wallet!!
As much as I love my truck this month its been killing me, I already made a post about the $315 left wheel bearing that I put in now let me list what its in the shop for now!
I first took it in to get the left U-joint replaced and my mechanic found all this:
1. Left U-joint $15
2. Right U-joint $15
3. Both seals inside axle tubes to keep Diff. oil and axle oil apart $30
4. Left axle because the bad seal wore a grove in the axle that can't be fixed $550
5. Right wheel bearing $250
6. Upper and lower ball-joints, both sides $700 (Includes install, not getting that done now)
The installation will be horrible because they have to tear apart the entire frontend to get to the seals, and I know the guy isn't BSing me cause I went and saw all of the damage myself and priced it myself. I'll let ya'll know what the final cost is, hes a good friend of mine so he said he was going to give me a break, lets hope so![sm=hail.gif]
I first took it in to get the left U-joint replaced and my mechanic found all this:
1. Left U-joint $15
2. Right U-joint $15
3. Both seals inside axle tubes to keep Diff. oil and axle oil apart $30
4. Left axle because the bad seal wore a grove in the axle that can't be fixed $550
5. Right wheel bearing $250
6. Upper and lower ball-joints, both sides $700 (Includes install, not getting that done now)
The installation will be horrible because they have to tear apart the entire frontend to get to the seals, and I know the guy isn't BSing me cause I went and saw all of the damage myself and priced it myself. I'll let ya'll know what the final cost is, hes a good friend of mine so he said he was going to give me a break, lets hope so![sm=hail.gif]
#3
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#5
RE: This truck is killing my wallet!!
Final cost: $1,226.66!!
Thats without getting the ball joints replaced, that can wait a while. If I hadn't had to get the bearing and new axle the U-joints and seals were only going to be $375, but I can't get luck that good, at least the guy only had it for 4 days.
Thats without getting the ball joints replaced, that can wait a while. If I hadn't had to get the bearing and new axle the U-joints and seals were only going to be $375, but I can't get luck that good, at least the guy only had it for 4 days.
#6
RE: This truck is killing my wallet!!
What about doing the work yourself? if you have some jackstands and a ball joint press you can do your own ball joints. Buy a new axle from a parts store. U-joints are so easy to change. All you need is a little sledge and an anvil.
Paying for labor sucks. I try and do everything myself. I don't want some other person work on my vehicle for a week when I know I can do it all in a weekend.
Paying for labor sucks. I try and do everything myself. I don't want some other person work on my vehicle for a week when I know I can do it all in a weekend.
#7
RE: This truck is killing my wallet!!
PurdueRanger has the absolute right idea. I do most of my own work whenever possible (except of all things Fluid Changes. I dont have anywhere to put that stuff and don't like the mess)
Anyway, if you don't want to spend a fortune in tools, go to HarborFreight. Their tools are cheap, literally, but will save you a bundle over Sears not to mention SnapOn, Mac, and the others.
I own alot of Craftsman tools, only because I work on and own 2 different trucks. But for specialty tools (like a u-joint/ball joint press) I bought that at Harbor Freight. Something like $20 or some such. I've used it a bunch of times, no problems at all! Its a viable option over paying a shop 1200 bucks for something that costs maybe $100 in parts.
The cylinder head replacement I just did on my Ram cost $900 for the heads. I believe the actual cost to have it done would have been close to $2000. So I saved $1100 doing it myself. Adds up doesn't it?
Anyway, if you don't want to spend a fortune in tools, go to HarborFreight. Their tools are cheap, literally, but will save you a bundle over Sears not to mention SnapOn, Mac, and the others.
I own alot of Craftsman tools, only because I work on and own 2 different trucks. But for specialty tools (like a u-joint/ball joint press) I bought that at Harbor Freight. Something like $20 or some such. I've used it a bunch of times, no problems at all! Its a viable option over paying a shop 1200 bucks for something that costs maybe $100 in parts.
The cylinder head replacement I just did on my Ram cost $900 for the heads. I believe the actual cost to have it done would have been close to $2000. So I saved $1100 doing it myself. Adds up doesn't it?
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#9
RE: This truck is killing my wallet!!
I agree man do it yourself as much as you can and i work on other peoples cars for a living. Alot of the issue for is one of the pride of know i did it myself and knowing its done right. Having someone do it isn't a bad thing some people are just not good with thier hands. So IMO if you can do it take pride in what you can do.
#10
RE: This truck is killing my wallet!!
ORIGINAL: ljpierce_ely
PurdueRanger has the absolute right idea. I do most of my own work whenever possible (except of all things Fluid Changes. I dont have anywhere to put that stuff and don't like the mess)...
...The cylinder head replacement I just did on my Ram cost $900 for the heads. I believe the actual cost to have it done would have been close to $2000. So I saved $1100 doing it myself. Adds up doesn't it?
PurdueRanger has the absolute right idea. I do most of my own work whenever possible (except of all things Fluid Changes. I dont have anywhere to put that stuff and don't like the mess)...
...The cylinder head replacement I just did on my Ram cost $900 for the heads. I believe the actual cost to have it done would have been close to $2000. So I saved $1100 doing it myself. Adds up doesn't it?