Derf00

This type of transmission isn't just a ford thing, VW does it, GM does it, most mfg's are going this route. Why? Maybe as a way to make cars break down and force you to buy a new one because they state 100K mile+ service intervals for the fluid and people believe it cos "It's in the manual". Ignoring the tranny fluid is an easy way to get the tranny to fail (just like not changing your engine oil). Anyways, it's not that hard and if you are a DIYer this is considered basic by today's standards IMO. Plus, if you are a DIY you SHOULD have a jack and jackstands.

For the pump, I spent $15 on the pump, $5 on the tubing, and $15 on the fittings.

Be careful of shops, most will just drain and refill, it is NOT the same as flushing. Ford will flush meaning, they force fluid in through one fitting and watch it drain out another fitting. A flush will replace ALL of the fluid in the tranny including the cooler and Torque Converter. A drain/refill will not. A Flush from ford will be $150-170, a drain and refill is about $80-100. A little more if they replace the filter.

GT Nate

Took my manual to a place to do a flush, they had no idea what the tranny drain plug was...there's a smaller screw IN the drain plug which if fluid comes out when you remove you have enough...if I understand it correctly.
I took mine to the dealer and they did a flush, detergent and refill...