There are a lot of varyables , the bigger the jobs the more varyables , like some have said , axial u-joints , tie rod ends , a lot of other front end parts , most shops [ because of lawyers ] will not go into a job with out everthing they have to R&R being in good condition when the job is done .
That being said , even as a repair shop , I consider the dealers more often then not the highest priced , but it I were in there place [ all there costs being higher ] there out the door price has to be higher , thats way independant shops have work , they have opptions to cut some of those costs .
You also have to consider the right tools for the job [ the torch is the last tool -when all esl fails , depending how much heat is used , changing temper of steel , making the parts more likly to rust ] .
Then the right tools cost , they may make the job quicker , and that should not mean that the costumer is going to get all of the time savings of that new tool [ it has to get paid for ] , each shop is going to decide where they can pass on the costs/savings , and still stay in buis.
Then to answer the ??? , just ball joints , $600-800 , but then I am going to put adjustible in mine , then a costume allinement .
Havent checked in some time , but labor rates around here are about $75 - 110 hr. , I always figured that in the middle + is were the best work is going to be getting done .
I'm now out of the buis. because all the costs are getting out of control and I do not want to play all the games anymore [ fighting with most every supplyer , and if you do not win you end up fighting with the costumer , and how can you maintain a buis. if there is a high % of costumers that think , rightly or not , that they are getting , bleeped ,.
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
My dealer quoted me $2700 for ball joint replacement
