Preface: I have a 5 speed Manu-matic

My crossfire has been lunging irregularly during shifts, making a muffled grinding noise at times and jumping from 1500 RPMs to 3000 RPMs with barely any movement as I tried to accelerate from a stop light.
So...
...I took my baby in to get checked up at Mr. Transmission. Found out the forward clutch was cracked and that messed with the planetary assembly. Was told I would have to replace the converter and over haul as well. (Face palming as I'm hearing this)

Cost to rebuild a transmission came out to $5113.80 (parts and labor). Ridiculous! I know!

I looked online and found rebuilt transmissions for $719.99
Used 2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE Transmission A.T., exc. SRT6 - Woodfins Guaranteed Used Auto Parts

...and another for $2,190.99
TRANS SPECIALTIES : CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE REBUILT TRANSMISSION 2004-UP W5A580 Remanufactured and rebuilt automatic transmissions, transmission parts and torque converters

I called The Chrysler-Dodge dealer in Columbus, GA and they suggested to just replace the transmission rather than rebuild. Labor to install a transmission if I brought one in was estimated to be $1000.00 or less. Total cost to replace if I brought the $719.19 in would be
estimated $1800.00.

Father asked a mechanic he used (who has worked on multiple crossfires as well as used to own one); He suggested to find a vehicle with low miles with an intact transmission in a junk yard since rebuilds might be put together funny and with a junk yard one you know it worked at one time rather than one that had to be remade to do so.
Called a junk yard with two 05 manu-matic crossfires - found intact one for $650.00
And fathers mechanic said he would do the labor for $200 to $300
The caveat is he's located in Florida (I'm in Alabama).
To rent auto transpo uhaul is $55 + $60 gas = $115
Estimated total cost of this route is $1065 (+/- $100)
About $4000 cheaper.

This is where I'm at right now. Next move is to ask how much it would cost for Mr. Transmission to just install a transmission since they already have it at their place to see if it would just be worth having them replace it.

Opinions, Suggestions, Advice, Jokes, Constructive criticisms?