How expensive to rebuild front differential?

[tojan19]

I've got to ask how much you guys think is reasonable to rebuild a front diff. I've got the carrier bearing (at the least) going bad on my 97 AWD. I took it to a shop yesterday and the guy wanted 16-1800 just to do do the bearings and seals. No new gears. I was floored! I had expected maybe $800 on the high end.
I'm debating whether to shop around, do it myself, or say the hell with it. I may be getting rid of the truck in the next 6mo anyway. I'm leaning towards leaving it be.

 

[ericautopart]

Lets see, figure 250-350 for labor. I've got the bearing kit for 125.00. Figure around 500 bucks minus a ring and pinion. 16-1800? He was def. looking to bend you over.

 

[Cobraguy]

Erica, your labor charge is pretty low. Remember, most the front end needs to come apart to remove the diff. I would want 2.5 hours minimum to rebuild the diff if you handed it to me already out of the truck. Add R and R to that...at what how much an hour? and you get the idea. Still, $1800?? I would like to see that estimate in writing. I wonder what he's doing to come up with that amount?