Mejiseike – First off please read what I am about to say carefully and objectively/honestly. You have been given some poor advice, some good advice, but mostly just quick opinions. Most people that gave their opinion are not wrong, their statement just carries a stipulation they failed to state. I would like to give you a little more comprehensive answer so you can make an intelligent decision. If you want to get your question answered accurately, you must answer the following.

Do you have another vehicle to get to and from the JY or grab parts when this one is apart?
How much time do you have to work on this vehicle?
Do you have the right tools and space to do said work? (It is obviously cold where you live; that sucks!)
Is your mechanical and maintenance experience/knowledge enough to get the job done?
Do you have the cash on hand to buy all the parts?
Are you looking for a truly professional job (how about the paint)?

Bottom line, it all really depends on you. I was told I could not realistically swap my EFI on my 78Z for dual side-draft Sus... Yeah I did that for like $200? Ran my own self-made fuel lines, custom fuel set-up etc. HOWEVER if you do not want, or do not have the time, knowledge, money, etc. to do the work, then 2k is def. on the low end. Anyone can learn with enough time and effort.

THIS I would not skip under any circumstances. There is no reason to do the work to have a failing product as a result. At minimum make sure that you take your car down and make sure the frame (uni-body) isn't torqued. Second make sure you are fixing a good vehicle. If you have driven the **** out of this thing and you are already starting to see mechanical failure; not sure I would spend the time and money required. (Paint is the biggest thing to overcome. You can easily spend 2k on just that alone.)

No matter what you decide understand this. You are talking about a pendulum. On one side you have doing the work yourself, a TON more time, your own tools, less money. On the other you have little effort, more money, and (most likely) a much more 'professional' result. IF you do it yourself, the more TIME the less money and the better result.

 

Tis good advice. my post was assuming little / no unibody damage and a somewhat skilled person and very patient. If this is your only car and you need it done in a timely manner I agree take it in. At minimum take it to a shop and see if they can get it on their frame machine to see if it's out of whack.