Well, maybe the price will change his mind. These are list prices and you can, of course, purchase discount. But even then, OUCH! You didn't say what year, sooooo .....

Solid Axle hubs: $265.40 EACH (43530-39017 aka 43530-59035)

IFS hubs did not list as a complete unit, but had the body and cover seperate:

Cover, 43509-35030, $180.94 EACH.
Hub body: 43508-35010, $218.60 EACH.
That's, er, umm, $399.54 EACH (cough, wheez).

Is your buddy ***** stupid? I've bought them (five of 'em) for $25 bucks each and they clean up and look/WORK like new. Just replace the gaskets and handle seal and you are ready to rock.

Tell your buddy to get real.