I’ll update you after my first transaction with them is complete.

 

I brought them the rear and they quoted me $500, then called me one day later they called and said the heavy duty yokes would be $150, bearings I can’t recall lets just say $150, clutch $170 – somewhere around $800and the $500 would be labor.  So I went from $500 to $1,300 and they wanted a credit card for a deposit at that point.  

 

Seemed like either bait and switch or an honest mistake – if its your business its difficult to think you could forget the price of the parts in your quote.  

 

So since I am on the subject – help me out here.  How many labor hours should I be charged for?  Clean out the rear (searching for old snap ring pieces), replace bearings, install yokes and new clutch (I asked for the clutch to be a little tighter than stock).  I asked for labor hours since I don’t know their hourly rate, but I plan to ask for it and I would like to know how many hours this job should be.  

Well I know how long it takes me but I haven't charged to do it either..I have no idea what the book time is..sounds like they have a flat fee to rebuild the rear..I get nervous when shops want a deposit to do work..I won't tell you what it cost me to do the last one I did but if the shop can't afford it they may have some serious cash problems..I am in NJ doing the work cert crap so I can't get to a labor book today..
Rich

"Heavy Duty" yokes are usually the ones that require the straps and bolts, not the ones like you have, which use the u-bolt/nuts. They are a bit more expensive, tho. However, if you didn't request, or discuss them, why would they just automatically install them and charge you?
Labor time shouldn't be more than 3 hours, total. If they can't rebuild that diff in 3 hours, there's something wrong. As Rich says, they may just have a set price for that job, but $500 sounds a bit rich to me. Then again, if they do a good job, and it survives, it's prolly worth the peace of mind.

There are posi clutch spring kits that so add more pressure on the clutch packs...those things are a PITA to get in, too! Certainly hope they are replacing the clutches too, and not just adding the springs.

Darn Joel you let the cat out of the bag! Three hours would be a max deal in time..maybe a Friday night build with a few beers!
Rich

Actually, the book shows 8 hours!! That includes almost 4 hours to r & r the diff. Also shows 30 minutes to replace the side(yoke) bearings! Dang....anyone using book time on this would make a killin!! Lemmie see here...2....6...carry the 4....that's $700 for this shop!! Woo Hoo! I'm goin tuh Didneyland!!! Adams' Apple2010-11-12 20:47:57

Holy crap! I really should be getting something to do this..thanks Joel for letting me know I could have got a new clutch and exhaust with the ones I have done! Oh well I do it because I want to and really enjoy it.
Rich

a quick update.  I picked up the rear after work this evening- I will send more pictures tomorrow. I installed the rear - I'll admit my stupidity too.....I connected the crossmember to the diff, put it on my floor jack and connected it.  Got the strut rods set and installed the new bushing.  Went to connect the halfshaft and noticed that I didn't adjust them to the front of the strut rod !  DOH !   so I have to remove the half shaft all together in order to pull it to the front and connect to the yokes :-)  

Good to hear, John!! Hope it survives a little longer this time!