[Shotimes] Swapping an auto tranny (semi-OT)

[van Oss]

This is regarding a Taurus LX with 3.8L and AXOD.  Sorry for the semi-OT.

As some of you know, we've bought this LX for our boys to drive.  It has a
bad tranny and we are exploring options for how to get it fixed.

-- Take whole car into local shop and have them do it all
-- Remove tranny at home, have it rebuilt, and we put it back in (saves R&R
labor)
-- Buy another used or rebuilt tranny (Al Fitz, eBay, whatever) and swap at
home

As a mechanic, I know that ATX internals are not for me.  But do you think I
could handle R&R of an ATX?  You guys know what I have done (managed to do
SHO rod bearings without a hospital stay or lawsuit).

As a father, I would prefer that the boys do some of the work so that they
learn.  Also I want them to feel invested in the car so that they'll treat
it with respect.

Any advice welcome, either on a technical or parental level.

Joseph van Oss