car is 1989 245 auto w/OD with approx. 189k

hey brick nuts! well, 'tis true, my baby is parked, and very much so (for the past 3 or 4 months). the transmission is out, no movement in any gear. no leaks. I haven't checked the atf level, but I'm pretty sure it's up to level. I had an atf flushed prior to the tranny going out and had checked the level a few times after that job. if anyone remembers, I posted 4 or 5 months ago about a tranny whine and how my tranny was acting up. well, I guess the tech was right when he told me the news that the tranny is shot. funny thing ws that I was able to drive it for another 500+ miles until one time it acted up on my way home. I parked it and found out that the car would not move anymore!

I've decided to save some pennies and have started a volvo fund to get my baby back on the road! here's the deal. I'm from the southern cali area and would really like some good estimates for a tranny swap. important questions to ask you all:

1. average cost for a tranny swap
-many months back I called and received est. ranging from $650+ to $1200
2. in a transmission swap, what will (or should) they also change along with the tranny itself?
-I need to know all that is included in this jib so I won't be short changed!
3. any shop recommendations? where is the general?

thanks all!

ps,
I remember reading some replies saying that it would be much cheaper for me to go to a junkyard and buy my tranny and have a shop install it. I don't have the expertise or the means to get my own tranny. so I have to stick with the shop getting the tranny for me ($$$). there's this one shop that mentioned putting in a late model 900 series tranny in with low mileage. the tech said the newer transmission will fit perfectly in my car.