All over craigslist offers rebuild/installations for like $700 for things such as Crown Vics, Trucks etc (Shops offering this, not just some random dude). I had my trans rebuilt and installed for $1050 for my taurus SHO at a shop in Lombard a few years back when the economy hadn't dropped out.
Do you do Manual transmissions? I have an M5OD that needs a shift fork replaced (97 Explorer sport, 2WD, 5spd). (So I'd need a quote on labor/repair, ball park is fine). So far I've found $250 the cheapest for the inspection (Disassembly/reassembly of the trans + how ever much the damaged part is), waiting on his labor quote.
Your shop insured etc, warranty on your work?