4KCSQ/Ball Joints

["Thomas L. Alexander III" <talexand@unaalpha.una.edu>]

The Service manager of my local NTW (National Tire Wholesale) indicated that my 4000CS Quattro (95k miles) had badly worn ball joints which needed replacing. Hequoted me a price of $176 parts and labor plus an additional $50 for the align- ment. I'd like to know the following:

1. Given the mileage (95k), is normal to replace the ball joints at this time      (the only other suspension work was the replacement of the front lower con-     trol arm bushings 20k miles ago)

2. There was not a breakdown of how much the part would cost. How much are ball    joints and is $176 a fair price?

3. Is the ball joint attached to the lower control arm?

Thanks in Advance,

Thomas L. Alexander III

'86 4000CS Quattro
'89 T-bird SC (5spd)