There is a Midas, near me. I've found (and talked to other people who had
the same experience) that they have three level pricing.

On the phone: Sounds like about $75.
After the lift, and the service writer presents the estimate: It will be
$150.
On the phone, about an hour after they started work: There were a couple of
other parts needed, and it will be $300.

Each time, the price doubles.

I'd take the vehicle to another shop, and never go back to Midas.

Christopher A. Young
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..

"stryped" wrote in message
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I have a 1996 silverado 4x4. It has 356,000 miles, so I know it has its
problems. I have done all the work on it myself since I have had it.

I noticed the drivers side tire wearing on one edge and also it has pulled
for awhile slightly to the right.

I scheduled an appointment at Midas to have the front end aligned. I got a
call saying they could not do the alignment becasue I needed new left side
ball joints, pitman arm, and idler arm. To my shick, the price was going to
be 900 bucks!

Well, I did not have it done there. I am wondering first, when I asked what
they meant by "left side" they told me the drivers side. WHich is odd
becasue the tire that was wearing was on the passanger side.

Second, how can I tell at home if this is indeed what is wrong and the parts
I have are bad? I know with the mileage on this truck they probably are. I
just want to make sure any parts I replace are indeed bad. Also, is it ok to
replace parts on one side and not the other? My plan was to try to get
another truck before all this but they are expensive. This is my daily
driver so until I can find a good deal on a used one, I will be driving it.
It has an intake leak right now I am going to fix this weekend.

If these parts are indeed bad, are replacements hard to do at home? I have
done just about everything else on a car but have never messed with the
front end. The guy at midas told me they would have to take out the "drive
gear" dince it is a 4x4. I think what he meant was the steering gear but not
sure.

From what I understand, the hardest part is getting the old parts off.

Anyway I appreciate any help!