I'm thinking about putting 4.88's in my Jk and ARB air or OX lockers in at the same time, thinking I would save money I was quoted 12hrs on the ring and pinion and and 4 for the lockers. Then someone else told me if I'm getting them done at the same time the lockers can simply be put in, and I shouldn't be charged for labor on the install of the Lockers, is that true?
12hours at what hourly rate??? they should be able to give you dollar amount per axle.
and yes, it will be much cheaper to have the locker installed at the time of the gears. otherwise you will actually pay 2x to have the gears setup. once now, and then AGAIN when you have the locker put in.
as far as how many hours they're charging you "usually" has nothing to do with their skill level but has to do with book time. let's say the factory book time on replacing a carrier is 2hours, then the shop is probably adding 2hours for the plumbing.
if you want, i can get you the factory book times either tomorrow or monday on the gear setup and the carrier setup. as far as the locker, it's obviously going to be more than a straight carrier setup. and how much more is up to every individual shop.
i would charge $220 or 4hours for a automatic locker and around $330-440
6-8hours for a selectable locker (arb,ox,ected) due to the plumbing/electrical.
but obviously every shop has different hourly rates and also charges different amount of hours for aftermarket installs.