Ford Repair: Ford F150 - Catalytic Converter, muffler shop, cat converter

Question
I have a 1997 Ford F150, 4WD, 8Cyl 4.6 Liter Engine.  Check engine lite came on, dealer ran diagnostic which specified right side catalytic converter and possibly exhaust manifold.  Parts alone were quoted at $1,300 for the cat converter.  Add in the manifold and labor and you're talking $2000+.  Does this seem reasonable?  I looked up the parts on the internet and the cat's ran from $50 to $250 - what accounts for this discrepency?  If I get this done, do I need to do the other side as well?

Thanks

Answer
Tom-
  
  $1300 in parts alone for a catalytic converter reasonable?  No, it's not.  In fact, that may be the most ridiculous price I've ever heard of.  What accounts for the discrepency?  Well...it's a dealership so it could be any one of a dozen reasons.  Save yourself some money and take your truck to Midas or your local muffler shop.  Hope this helps.

Steve