I need to replace the upper/lower left front ball joints on my 2WD 97 F350. It's more of a job than I am prepared to handle. My local mechanic gave me an estimate that was based on approx 2.5 hrs labor per ball joint. Does this sound about right???

 

2 and a half hours per ball joint? WTF.

I plan on taking a day on each side of my f150, i have a bad one. but i'm replacing u-joints as well.

But a 2wd is very simple. Just gotta remove the knuckles.
I'd think it would be much simpler then what he is saying.
I paid 600 for my 91, which was 2wd. that was for ball joints, shims, labor and front end alignment.

 

Yep 2 or 2.5 hours is flat rate time. And experienced tech can usually do them in about half that time. But for me that makes up for all the jobs that kick my butt on flat rate time!

 

It is not that bad. If you can replace brake pads, you can do the ball joints. You just take the calipers and bracket off, pull the hub and rotor assembly, and unbolt the the spindle. You can borrow the ball joint tool from most auto parts stores or buy a cheap one from Harbor Freight if you antisipate using it more that once. Make sure you buy quality ball joints (i.e. Moog, etc.) so you don't have to do the job again anytime soon. Oh yeah, when I did mine it took about 3 hrs. Good luck.