96 Intrepid transmission

It could be your trasmission if a shop told you that it is more likely to be that but it could even be front bearings or your cv axle

Check the front axles. Pop them out of the tranny with a pry bar, while the wheels are raised off the ground see if the wheels turn. If they turn it's the tranny. If one or both don't you have a bad front axle.
As for replacing a front wheel drive tranny, you do realize the engine and transmission come out as one unit then you seperate them. If it is your tranny leave it to the pros. A salvage yard tranny will have no warranty and will require alot of time and frustration on your part.$1300 is about right for a tranny job. Make sure the warranty is in writing.