The problem with the 1997-2003 F-150 2WD suspension is:
1. The front track width is wider. 65.4" vs stock 58"
2. You would have to graft in the entire front frame section and it is also too wide. 39.5" vs stock front width of 32" (rear 34").
3. Metric wheel bolt pattern 5 x 135mm. This bolt pattern was only used 1997-2003 vs stock 8 x 6.5" 1948-present day or 5 x 5.5" 1940's-present day
4. Shouldn't be attempted unless your a well experienced fabricator.

It will be much easier and surprisingly cheaper to fix the stock suspension plus you will have it road worthy faster. It should be relatively easy to find a running 302/351W and you won't have deal with making it fit as its already equipped. The fuel injected engines just need an intake and distributor change to be carbureted.

 

Thank you for the heads up on the widths, the front ends I've looked at were all hanging from the bottom of leaf springs so I figured I could just take the brackets from the doner vehical and weld them onto my frame, didn't stop to think it would be wider. I feel extremely comfortable with fabrication. I certified in welding back in 83 and routinely build things for my job, that being said I'm not interested in trying to shorten an axle I have seen it done and feel like I could but don't want too. I still think I may buy the explorer for the engine if nothing else. I couldn't buy a rebuildable engine for the $300 the guy wants for it. I can also reuse the heater, AC and maybe the seats and stereo, etc.. Then when I'm done I can load my scrap iron into the explorer and get my money back when I sell it for scrap.