Worn control arm bushing..., Can't lower my car because of it...? Options

[supaneko]

I recently purchased the necessary parts to lower my car (springs, struts). With every job like this the vehicle requires an alignment and to get the alignment, the car's suspension system was checked.

I was told that I could not have an alignment performed because a control arm bushing was worn.

I am a little frustrated because the bill for this is about $400 (parts & labor).

I was thinking of buying just the part and then taking it to a friend to perform the labor. My problem, it seems that you must purchase the entire control arm in order to replace the bushing.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do? Perhaps there is a better place to find the part (currently $175 from local Toyota dealer) or...?

[supaneko]

Fairly easy you say? Geniuses at the shop told me that there was a spring in there that will pop off as I remove it.

Looks like I should run out and get a Chilton's and possibly save myself some money.

BTW, the site is called 1st Toyota Parts (for future reference ).