My receipt from advance auto says:

Neapco 1-0005 U-Joint @ $14.44 x 3
(Precision 344 & Spicer 5-4x are supposed to bethe other options.)

Neapco 7-0081NG U-Joint @ $25.94 x 1(centering ball)- it's for a1993 Volvo 240, that was the problem.(Precision 617 Replacement ball kit is the other option)

It's not a bad little job if you know what you're doing, especially if you have the right tools. I did it with a vice that was barely big enough andan assortment of sockets and nuts and washers (not really the right tools). Putting the cardon joint back together was the easiest part, there's only one small spring. It's funny because the meachanic I bought my truck from said that they didn't have any luck rebuilding them, I'm not sure why.

 

weird...I guess it's better safe than sorry. I've got to admit that you Rover folks are a little crazy..."Yeah, the ignition wires can be changed no problem..."

that's going to be my job tomorrow...I've got a 6 year old who can fit his hand behind the block and the firewall.

 

Every job is a bit overwhelming before you do it if you've never done it. Once you're done I think you're just happy that you did it and didn't get stuck somewhere and not finish it.Maybe we're so relieved that weforget what a pain in the butt it was. With the spark plugs, make sure you get yourself comfortable on top of the engine. I removed all of the old ones first. I think doing one at a time would make it twice as difficult.It's all about having the right tools, a 6 year old will make it very easy. My 2 year oldwould almost understand, but she probably doesn't quite have the strength yet.

 

I got my u-joints (Precision 344) and center ball kit (Precision 617) at NAPA ... they had them in stock.

Asfor yourfriend, I can understand if he doesnt want to mess with thecenter ball kitbecause time is money ...but if he is a friend and a real mechanic he ought to be able to do it for you.I am not a mechanic andI did it myself and it was nojoy ride but very doable with a proper slide hammer and patience. If he won't do it then you need to otherwise you may have wasted $$$ replacing the u-joints. Good luck!

 

I thought I had to replace the centering ball too, so my buddy at the axle shop had ordered everything to do the job. When he took the ball off, he said that it must have been changed by the previous owner, cause it was in like new condition, with no signs of wear. All this to say that it does not necessarily needs to be changed. It might, not not automatically. But for the price, better safe than sorry. Especially when its already apart.

Also I think you're a bit confused by your calculations. You had already paid some $100 for the parts. They charged you some $250 for the job with their parts. Therefore, until you return the parts to AB, you're in for a $350 job. Once you get your money back, then it will be a $250 job. not a $150 job.

 

You're entirely correct, but I like to use fuzzy logic in my life as often as possible as to feel like I'm saving money.