97 F150 project!!!

Ok, so I am starting a big project and joined this forum for info and help and to post things along the way to possibly help others.

I have a 1997 F150 4.6l 4x4....a little over a year ago the motor went in it and the front end had some issues. The truck also had other minor issues, and due to financial reasons the truck got parked and sat until now.

So my idea is to buy a parts truck and put a new front and rear end in it, new motor and new suspension components as well.

Here are all my questions:

Will 1998 F150 parts fit?
(front/rear axles,engine, sterring, A arms/suspension)


would a 4.6 liter that was mated to a manual tranny bolt up to an auto tranny?

I currently have 308 gears, would it be a problem to go to 3.55 front and rear axles?

What can i do to get the mice,spiders, and other creatures out of it before i park in in the shop and they all come out in the shop?lol

Thank you very much in advance for any info and help.