Hey I might be buying a 1997 f150 stepside 5spd 4.6l . I just am curious how hard would it be to swap the 4.6 with a lighting motor thanks.

 

If you tend to have a heavey foot from the power, the trans won't take it very long.
Better to find a truck already built at that level and enjoy it rather than going with the hassle of a swap and a trans that won't take the abuse very long.
That's why you never see a Lightining with a standard in it from the factory.
Good luck.