[busboy4]

Hi
I recently had my coolant replaced at a quick lube type of place. I believe it was $39. Now normally I would cringe at the idea of paying for labor that I can provide. However, in this case I found it well worth it. They use a vacuum system to suck out the old, and then refill the evacuated system. That prevents air from building up in the system so that it is full from the start.
Now this process doesn't truly flush the system in the way that we once did with older cars, and I can't really speak to the necessity of that with today's vehicles. I can simply say this was by far the most simple fluid change I have ever done.
As to your dexcool question: I would not put in anything that Ford did not suggest. I believe dexcool is GM's 1000000 mile coolant, and some with GM vehicles advocate changing to conventional coolant immediately - there is conjecture that the dexcool eats head gaskets.
My 96's cooling system has been flawless for 117000 miles and counting. I have symply kept the coolant level where it belongs and have had the coolant changed out twice since I purchased the van at 40000.