Ford Repair: 2002 Ford Explorer Ball Joints, ford explorer ball joints, wheel alignment

Question
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with approximately 125,000 miles on it. I have been hearing a loud squeaking noise coming from the front end recently. I have been told that the noise could be from the ball joints. I went to a local mechanic to ask how much it would cost and he estimated it at around $550. Does this sound like a reasonable price? Also should I need a wheel alignment after having this work done?

Answer
First, does the noise happens when going over bumps ??? can you hear it squeak as the front end bounces up and down ??? if it does- the noise is from the stabilzer bar bushings not the ball joints. very rarley do you hear a noise when they start to go bad. 550.00 is not a bad price if they are quoting you out of a book. which most shops do. the unfortunate part about that is the total job takes about 1.5. hrs for an experienced tech and you get charged for 4.0 and no, you don't need an alignment after- only if you were replacing the upper ball jpints would you need this done