The local independent Japanese mechanic is quoting me $900. Is that ballpark or too much? I live in Southern California...
Yes yes, sexy Liano. I'm currently perusing the Google results myself, but thought in the meantime I could get a more direct response.

Check with your nearest authorized Toyota repair garage to get their estimate and then check around a couple of *recommended good* independent repair shops for a guaranteed job, and choose the one that looks the best for YOU! Talk with the *Head Mechanic* at each place and have him/her explain -- in detail -- just *what* will have to be done to do the job correctly and approximately what each operation contributes to the overall cost for the completed, guaranteed job.