I agree on the front axle u-joints.
Hard to predict costs. I had both u-joints done at a dealer about 10 years ago for about $225 each, including parts. At that time the hub pulled off easy. Job took about 45 minutes per side. Some on this site have taken a week to remove the hub with much pounding, pullers, torches, plasma cutters, many cases of beer, etc. (Do a search) If the bearing gets wrecked, it's a couple of hundred more, per side.
I replaced my right side ball joints last weekend and it took about an hour to get to the point where I pulled the axle out. I posted a few pictures about the job.