$300 was that to have the dealer do it? Just did mine a couple months ago and 6 speed and transfer case were less than 2 gallons of ATF. The rear end is about 4 qts @ about $ 10 qt for synthetic and friction modifier is $4.50 ea X 2 so should be under $100 easy and that's only every 1,00,000.
My rear end got changed @ 47000 cause the clutches got bad from previous owner. Lost a tread on 1 tire and drove it 60 miles to another town. Ford charged 70 for the oil and 12 for the modifier 125 for clutches and 390 for labor.
ATF is only $6 a gallon so to change it every 30000 isn't that costly. Makes good weed killer after draining. So even if it takes 1 1/2 that's still only $9. Beats 15 qts that my Crown Victoria takes. Kind of Ironic: PSD takes 15 qts oil VS 5 for CV and the 6 speed Tranny takes 5 qts of ATF VS 15 for auto in CV.
Any way still think it's cheap insurance even at $300. Believe new 6 speeds are around 2500 - 3000 plus install.
Had engine oil and filter done when I was out of position in Texas last year at Wal mart and it was $43.At home usually runs around $30 to do my self and then it don't leak.But that's another story.Ford wanted $100 and couldn't get me in for a week and I was only there for 3 days. Think I was kind of in your neck of the woods San Angelo. My Son was there for 3 months for advanced training for USN. Great area wish I could move there. Housing affordable and great country side. Only had 2 tornado warnings so not too bad.