Exactly the reason I NEVER take my F350/V10 nor my DW's Escape V6 to the dealer except for a yearly NY State inspection. When they quoted me $800+ for lower ball joints only, worth $64/pair for my last truck, an F150, I decided that I had enough mechanical experience to do mundane work. Of course it needed uppers as well, but the job was still less then $300 including a couple of tools. I do understand overhead and the prices that are charged, but I do expect something more then a gouge for less then quality service.