Your mechanic wants to do the easier job that is going to make HIM the most $$$$. If your joints are not making any clicking noises or binding then new boots (under $15 each) are a good option. I gauruntee for $250 per side you are not getting oem shafts...just the parts are over $400 each! Your mech is going to get you some autozone remanufactured shafts and stuff them in there. The oem shafts are far superior than anything currently available on the aftermarket...PERIOD!