So in June I bottomed out my 2002 S (53K) on an unfamiliar road (stupid I know) and ended up cracking the lower tranny bosses. Not repairable, so I had to replace the the transmission.
So I had a well known mechanic pick the car up on a roll back and take it to his shop (30mls RT).
So, I while the tranny was out, I elected to do the IMSB (it was perfect, no wear, plastic caps still in place.
I bought all of the parts save for a few gaskets and fasteners and a set of new After mkt rear axles. Total charged for parts was $486 which I thought was very reasonable (he did not want replace the both CVs on each axle).
What I am not sure was so reasonable was labor in the amount of $3721.25 to:
pick up of the vehicle
Diagnose the problem
R&R the tranny (owner supplied)
R&R the tranny mounts (owner supplied)
New clutch (owner supplied)
IMSB retrofit (owner supplied)
Install new axles
R&R Exhaust (owner supplied)
The transmission shifts acceptably, but it is not as precise as I remember (short sift kit in my future).
I would have embarked on this one on my own if I had the time and space.
This guy is a casual friend who has done work for other family members, as well as some minor service for me 15 years ago.
I assumed he'd treat me well, but I'm not so sure he did. What say those of you who've done these jobs before?