I am new to the forum and not mechanically inclined (ok don't even change my own oil) but want to know if the shop if ripping me off on the cost of parts. I have a 97 Expedition with the 5.4 engine and 160k miles. Recently while having other work done I was told that I had an exhaust manifold leak due to broken rusted bolts. I was quoted $300 labor to fix it which didn't seem terrible but the cost of parts brought the total to $1100. Quoted $60 for a manifold gasket, $275 for each manifold, $7 apiece for the bolts (need 16), and $5 apiece for the nuts (need 16). I went online to RockAuto and I can get both manifolds for under $275, a gasket for about $7, and a hardware kit for $7 per side. Am I missing something?

 

actuall, is that a dealer? that's about right for anyone using motorcraft studs and nuts...and $300 for labor? ****, i'd jump on that part.

 

300 for labor, thats a good deal, that job is a PITA, maybe thats is a perfect world price( if all the studs come out and don't snap off)
As for the parts, there are reasons aftermarket parts are half the cost, half the quality.
At 160k getting this done will probablly outlast the life of the engine IMO

 

I just realized that i didn't get any "lock washers" just the N811313-S431 and the nut W701706-S2.

Do I need to go back and buy "lock washers?"
(never mind the fact that I wasn't thinking when the dealer said, "you just need 8 right?" yeah, try 16)

and this guy says my JBA headers won't work with the s/s Ford studs? really?
http://www.fordf150.net/howto/headers.php