Mine went as well and due to the astronomical labor charges, I decided to do it myself without any type of manual. Your shop told you the truth. Subframe comes off and rack and pinion need to be taken off of frame. I had no problems until about a week later when tranny fluid started dripping. I guess I damaged an axle seal. They are only $12 each and worth replacing since they'll be in there already. Your boots do not nee dto be replaced as they do not need to come off, unless of course they're torn. Ball joint was a bitch to get off on drivers side. Took me about 10.5 hours, dealer quoted 13 and I had no experience with the underside of this vehicle until then. Rear Main seal is a $15 part. I have a 5-speed so spent the extra $200 for a new clutch due to my mileage.

This is a huge and common problem with 850's. I've complained to National Highway Traffic safety as mine leaked all over my exhaust and was smoking like a bandit. Can we say Fire Hazard? Spread the word, file your complaint at www.NHTSA.org.