Estimate for valve cover gasket, Sway bar bushing kit

[DieselPower]

while going for fishing this last weekend I had to go few miles off road. While driving on the gravel road i noticed that the ride is little bumpy. So I took my runner to my local shop to see whats wrong with it. I was guessing the shocks needs to be replaced but found out that they were just fine.
The shop guy advised me that the front SWAY BAR Bushing is gone and I need to replace it. Not sure how its related but thats what he told me. I also found some oil leak on the top of the engine and asked him about that and he said the Valve cover gasket needs to be replaced.

Anyways he gave me a total estimate of $682. Does it sound ok to you guys?
Its a 98 ltd 4*4 4Runner.
I have attached the estimate from the shop.

Thanks.

 

[JohnsD90]

I paid $12 total online for my sway bar bushings and they go on within a half hour, its 4 bolts, i cant help you on the valve cover gaskets.

 

[DieselPower]

I paid $12 total online for my sway bar bushings and they go on within a half hour, its 4 bolts, i cant help you on the valve cover gaskets.

Does the sway bar really affect the ride quality?

 

[JohnsD90]

Does the sway bar really affect the ride quality?

it has a large effect on body roll, not as much on bumps, but it's still a noticable difference on bumps.

 

[DieselPower]

it has a large effect on body roll, not as much on bumps, but it's still a noticable difference on bumps.

Great, I just learned something new from you and thanks for that .
But I really never noticed any body roll while cornering. Still I wont take any chance, I will go ahead and replace it.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Great, I just learned something new from you and thanks for that .
But I really never noticed any body roll while cornering. Still I wont take any chance, I will go ahead and replace it.

I went with these: Energy Suspension Parts: 4 Wheel Drive, Toyota 4Runner 4WD 2001 I'd say you will notice a little bit stiffer ride because they're poly vs rubber, but all and all nothing bad. Plus you know that everything is good for many more years to come.

Let me go check out something on valve covers, i'll get back to you.

EDIT: Here's some info for you: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/81140-little-help-head-cover-replacement.html#post698957 Just do some research on those part #'s (either on google or type them into the search engine on here) and see if that helps you

EDITx2: Here's some more info for you

 

[BrianSD_42]

Beware of the DIY method for the valve cover gasket. It is pricy to pay someone but if this happens then it is their problem not yours.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/91765-valve-cover-gasket-2.html


Also, to get accurate price comparisons you should state the City. There is a huge difference in labor cost between TX, Bay Area CA, and NY.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I have changed eight pairs of valve cover gaskets and only once ran into a stuck valve cover bolt that had to be taken out by means other than a 10mm socket. If the oil leak is only coming from the gaskets, try tightening them down first. Even TN22Corps, who has the stuck bolt during his gasket change, is making the best out of it.

Sway bar bushings, an 1hr of time at most. A 3/8 stubby ratchet helps remove the right side bushing top bolt beside the cat.