freeze plug issue

i have a friend with a3.0 taurus, not sure what year i think 98. said that they have a massive coolant leak. coming from the rear of the engine. they took it to a mechanic and the guy quoted them $1000 to replace a freeze plug because he says he has to drop the transmission to replace the freeze plug. he told them the freeze plug thats leaking is inside the bell housing.???? on the 3.0, is there really a freeze plug inside the bell housing???

scott