Strut This . . .
 

Look, I read all about some souping up their cars with all sorts of expensive goodies. I got 2 kids to feed and cloth. I need real basic information about struts/shocks. I got a 93 Protege with 80,000 miles. I got a mutted thumping sound from under the car and the local dealer tells me that the rear struts need replacing. I see something that looks like a coil spring with a shock absorber inside. Now, my car is in otherwise great condtion. But I know nothing about struts or shocks. What exactly is involved in replacing the rear shocks/struts? And what is a reasonble price to pay for parts and labor. No, I am not replacing this myself. I will have a local automotive repair shop or national chain do this. I just don't want to get abused (again) and replace parts that don't need to be replaced. Can/do they sell rebuilt struts? What is a reasonable cost to have this done?
Come on guys?

Well, since PRices for both parts and labour vary so much, I can't really help you much with that. I've worked at a couple Garages and a car dealership myself, The labour rates at them varied from 45-75 bucks an hour. Most shops charge a flat rate on labour for a job based on an industry accepted standard "book" that basically says it should take XX hours to do this job.
I'll assume that you're just looking for a basic spring and strut replacement. The struts (shocks) would probably cost like 40-60 bucks a piece, springs, I'm not too sure of. If you're suspicious that it might be a case of say, a loose nut, and them charging you for replacing the rear struts and springs, Make a mark of some sort, maybe take a file and scratch an X or something into the struts, and then tell them that you'd like the old parts to be placed in your trunk. when they're finished.
If its a reputable shop, they shouldn't say two words about it, but if they give you a hassle, then you might think of taking your business elsewhere.