I am assuming you had the suspension work done, because if you had done it yourself you would have seen the parts that would be replaced, and you would think it was 'easy' after doing the suspension.
Your assessment of making the part change then getting an alignment is correct.
If you have it done, you should not be charged more than 2 hrs tops, if that much.
Wanna buy the red one? Check profile and shoot me an email!