Just bought a set of GT axel-backs. I was originally going to install them myself but we're having a horrible winter and the thought of doing the instal in this cold is not appealing to me.
Went to Midas and Meineke for prices and they both want around $150 which I think is way too much for the amount of work involved.
Anyone have any experience getting them installed in the Long Island area for a decent price?

 

Check out Mustang Magic.

 

That's an option. I'm calling Realspeed tomorrow for a price - they did some work on my '08 and I was happy with them. I would have liked to have paid a local guy but I thought the prices I was getting, for what should be an hour or less of labor, were too high.

 

My Roush axle backs took about an hour (I think just over an hour but I don't remember) to install and it cost around $100 or $120 at my local wheel and tire shop in NYC. This was 2 years ago

 

I'm having it done by Realspeed, a local Mustang speed shop I've used before. They quoted me one hour labor at $100.
Prior to making the appointment I had sent an email to the local Ford dealer where I purchased my car, requesting a quote. I stated that I had the axle backs which were complete with clamps and that it was a Ford part and a direct bolt on. They called back and left a message on my answering machine that they had a price "with clamps" which indicates they didn't pay attention or didn't understand my email. I called and was quoted an unbelievable price of $315! I knew when I emailed them they would probably be higher than an independent shop but I couldn't believe the price he quoted. I was so surprised at the amount that I didn't ask how the hell he came up with it. I just said it shouldn't be more than an hour's labor and goodbye.
I have nothing against dealerships. I know they charge more and I'm ok with that if the price is reasonable. But this wasn't even in the ballpark and certainly not competitive. Maybe they don't care or maybe the guy who gave me the quote is an idiot. Either way it's stupid to turn down easy money which an axel back install is.

 

100 bucks beats doing it on your back and in the cold. Doesn't surprise me that the stealership wanted that much.

 

Goodyear did my v6 dual axels for 75.00

 

It's really easy to do yourself in under an hour. One ratchet and two sockets. I've done 4 now and can do it in my sleep. Just buy some ramps for $50 and do it yourself. Then you have the ramps for other work you should be doing yourself.

 

Don't forget a good pry bar to slide the hangers off the rubber hangers. Those things can be a pia.

 

I paid $125 last year at Goodyear tire store. I have a tiny garage, no ramps, floor jack, or exhaust tools. It was worth it.

 

I have the ramps, I have the jacks and I have the tools. What I don't have is the inclination to do it in this weather. It's been a miserable and very cold winter with more snow predicted for today. I don't mind paying the money for the convenience of not freezing my butt off!

 

Hanger removal tool...$22.00 makes the job super easy. I bought these to do the axle backs on our GT and they work great...a shot of WD40 on the rubber helps to.

 

I've took mine off and put em back as well as run through 5 different set ups. I don't mind doing it in any weather really, just hate hot pipes lol. But it's really easy. Also never used ramps or floor jacks/jackstands. Yes I know I'm crazy ha

 

Hangers come off super easy with soapy water.

 

Or with a good set of Sunex pry bars. The best tool in my tool box. :-)

http://www.sunextools.com/index.cfm?...t=152&item=611

 

I just use WD 40. I also leave the hangers on the car and drop the mufflers out and lift the others on. Can be a bit of a pain putting them on, but any aftermarket is smaller than stock and way easier. The GT500 mufflers are kind of a pain that way, but you can hack off an inch or two from the longitudinal hangers on the mufflers and make it much easier. They can't go anywhere once they are installed, so there is zero risk. Roush mufflers have the same shorter length as what I cut it down to on my '12. May try pulling the brackets on the Boss, my 5th mustang install, just for giggles. Did it on '05 GT, '07 GT500, '12 GT, brothers '11 V6.
The smaller diameter V6 exhaust also is a bit easier to manage and fit under.