cost of u-joints?

I have a 96' 4 cylinder S10. I'm also having problems with heavy vibration and loud clunking noise under the rear axle when I shift gears. I called the local repair shop and they suspect the u-joints are the problem. Estimated replacement is $200 for the 2 u-joints. Is this a common price or might I find cheaper if I call around more?

Thanks

geesh, they are only getting about $150 or more for labor for a 45 minute job....(60 tops)

4 bolts to get the u-joint straps, then replace those, the u-joints, and slip the driveshaft back into place. You said it. 45mins...tops.

I have a 98 and indeed it only takes 45 minutes but I'm not sure if the 96 is the same as mine or not. To get the old ones out you have to heat them up with a torch (and not one of those soldering types) to melt some sort of special plastic stuff that holds the u-joints in place instead of clips that you would expect.

So I took the driveshaft over to the local muffler store and they heated both u-joints up for free and knocked them out.

96Green Try getting U-Joints that you can grease, and then grease them every oil change. They last longer.

Hey Dave_Calif I know that it's only a 2 min job to heat those u-joints up... but with the cost of their torch gas they did you a favor (about 40 bux in Canada for each small bottle)

How about telling us which shop was nice enough to do the favor for you