Auto Parts: ball joint, honda civic 4dr, alingment


Question
I own a 1992 honda civic 4dr sedan lx and just had the alingment done and the guy said that I need a new ball joint on the front driver side that was the offset ball joint because he can't adjust any farther on the current one.  Does this sound correct?  If so what do I look for when purchasing one?  What do they cost?  Thanks

Answer
    Moog makes a "problem solver" ball joint that allows for extra camber adjustment.  Since they make one it must be a common problem.  An online parts store sells the regular joint for $35, and the adjustable one for $80.  If you buy it through the front end shop (which you had better do if you expect him to warranty the job), you will probably pay roughly twice that much.  It might seem unfair, but he can't make a living if he doesn't charge that much for the parts.  I know this for a fact.  You could put it in yourself, there's no exotic tools or techniques involved, but then you would have to get an alignment.  If you do that don't go back to the same guy, he might resent what you've done.