I have never bought a u-joint for the VX but for a Jeep the range from like $8 to $20 or so. I haven't checked our driveshafts to see how the u-joints are secured yet. Some vehicles have them pressed in, some use u-bolts, some use straps and bolts. It should be a fairly quick procedure on any type - less than an hour to fit new joints to each shaft... at least in my experience. I have done minimal work to my VX thus far. After this weekend though I might have some better answers!

Oh, the slop you speak of... I would say there shouldn't be any slop - but again, I haven't worked on mine much and it may be typical. Hope I helped.