Transfer case and drive shaft questions.

[WaitHowDoIDrive]

I am new to the explorer scene and have some questions about my X. I have to get the transfer case and driveshaft replaced. As far as I've read online this is a common thing to go wrong for the 97 5.0 AWD models, so my question is this. How long should I expect it to take at a shop on average? Or if I were to do it myself, how long would it be then? I have some mechanical experience and I have my friend who is very very experienced in the field. No hydraulic lift but tools are no problem.

 

[R1dd1cK]

Well I changed the transfer case in about 4 hours by my self. Now mind you I had nothing to lift up the replacement transfer case and I was doing it on my back.

 

[WaitHowDoIDrive]

Also, the mechanic I went to is saying at least $1,500 in labor fees. But that doesn't make sense to me if it something I could manage to do on my own I'm a couple hours.