Prices were as follows:
$719.00 for OME Deluxe Heavy kit, with Castor Correction bushings, steering stabilizer, springs, shocks.
$59.95 for brake line kit (discounted for purchase of suspension lift)
$510.00 labor (for suspension kit and brake kit, incl. brake adjustment and bleeding the lines)
$30.00 hazardous waste/shop supplies.
$57.56 tax.
Total: $1,376.51
So, realistically, $540.00 for labor costs. This seemed steep to me at first, but my own mechanic quoted me $400, and had never performed the work before, citing that it may cost as much as $100 more to hire a machine shop to press the castor control bushings. No savings there, and potentially problems due to lack of experience. He referred me to Richard at K&H.
Richard at K&H, who is such a knowledgeable person, said I should go to Man-A-Fre, reminding me (exactly like this) "they've got all the jigs and s*** set up already, plus the ten ton press, and you know they won't fxxx the fxxxer all up."
A call to Tyerman's led to yet another referall to Man-A-Fre.
TLC quoted something like $2,200 "out the door" (more like "up my ass"). So, like, hell no.
I called a few more shops, each quoting me $350-$600 (without the brake line kit install), and each one unfamiliar with the setup on the 80. No experience = no trust on my part. In my opinion, you never want to take a chance on things like brakes and suspension. I wanted it done right, by people who have done them before.
The difference in ride quality is astonishing, to say the least. It felt like I was driving a brand new Cruiser. I can't say enough about how much better my truck handles, and I haven't even hit the dirt yet! As far as I'm concerned, Man-A-Fre really did a good job. They came highly recommended, and I can see why.
