I'm new to this forum, which looks like a great Scooby resource. Both u-joints are worn on my 2002 Outback manual trans rear drive shaft. The local Sub stealership wants $650 for the part alone. Despite the popularity of Subs, there was only 1 manual trans used drive shaft on the whole East Coast, and that was listed on the used parts registry as having 'stiff' joints.
A machine shop in the area that specializes in drive shaft repairs, and has done a hundred or so Subs, will replace both u-joints for $250, and $100 labor to pull mine out and put it back in. He claims he hasn't seen any problems with the center bearings on the ones he's replaced. I can get a mail order one delivered from Wholesale Imports in CA for $388, which would come with the new center bearing, and my local repair shop would charge $200 to take take the old one out and put the refurb unit in.
Any thoughts on what's my better option?
A machine shop in the area that specializes in drive shaft repairs, and has done a hundred or so Subs, will replace both u-joints for $250, and $100 labor to pull mine out and put it back in. He claims he hasn't seen any problems with the center bearings on the ones he's replaced. I can get a mail order one delivered from Wholesale Imports in CA for $388, which would come with the new center bearing, and my local repair shop would charge $200 to take take the old one out and put the refurb unit in.
Any thoughts on what's my better option?