6 hours is not too bad, I did mine in about that much time... It is not too
bad of a job to do your self. all you need is a torque wrench, hammer and
some other tools.  You will need a press to get the lower ball joint back in
though.  Do it your self and save that $300.00.

Pete
peterz@gte.net
83.5 Vanagon

-----Original Message-----
From: Nicholas Wilson <nwilson@MCN.ORG>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 7:13 PM
Subject: early Vanagon ball joint replacement

>My '82 Westy needs all four ball joints replaced. I bought the parts from
>my import specialist FLAPS before checking the labor cost for installation.
>Some shops won't install customer parts, but the ones that will say it's
>about a 6 hour job, so about $300 labor. Has anyone had it done for less?
>If so where?
>
>I've done a lot of engine rebuilds and tranny swaps in my time, and I've
>done struts and lower ball joints on Rabbits and Jettas, but never a front
>ball joint replacement on a Vanagon. Has anyone done the job yourself? Are
>special tools needed? Hydraulic press needed?
>
>Thanks for any helpful advice offered.
>
>Nick
>Mendocino, California