$3k to do the head gasket? That is not a 28 hour job LOL. I did my head (never done it before or anything close) myself and it took me about 8 hours in + out. For a professional familiar with this head, I wouldn't be surprised if it could be done in less than 5hours in + out.

For $3000 for the head gasket better be including a fully rebuilt head, a very nice cleanup, and a ticket to Hawaii!

Why not do the wire harness yourself and let an independent do the head gasket? You could get away with $1200 and that's it!

There is nothing wrong with running without SLS...I have been for over 4 years now. As long as the accumulators are good, (as I understand) the ride will not be rough. Mine does not raise when weight is put on, but I have moved house 3 times in it and had the rear end full of stuff and had nary an issue at all.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k