Service is going to cost ~$50
Kit ~ $20
Fluid ~$30
Time and effort to still have the same problem because gears don't get fixed by a fluid swap.

I wouldn't put that effort or money into a trans that needs to be swapped or rebuilt. Put that into the new trans.

I didn't say change fluid, I said look in the pan. But yes, it will need to be serviced.

Ok, I'm unsure how to look in the pan w/o draining fluid. And draining fluid usually means it'* getting dirt in it unless you clean the underside of the car first. Then put the old fluid back in?

I wouldn't.

I put old fluid back in all the time!!

I dropped the pan the first day I had it when I put in the new filter. The bottom of the pan was definitely had some dark residue in it, but there was no foreign material, no grit, no clutch material. Every trans I have changed fluid in has had that dark residue in the bottom, just a film on the bottom of the pan along with the residual fluid being a darker red color. I was actually a little suprised that I didnt find worse, given the 200k miles. Sounds like its time to find someone to rebuild mine.

Where you located, might get lucky and have a local member that can help you.

I am located in north central Iowa about 100 miles north of Des Moines. If anybody can help out, let me know. Thanks guys.

I think sawgunner is in your area.