Putting in a Pinto front end is easier than changing the frame. If you buy a kit it comes with instructions.
I used a Pontiac Fiero front end in my old Ford. It requires a lot less welding and assembly work. It only requires a few brackets and then it's a bolt in unit. It has lower a-frames ( 2 pivot points). The pinto has a lower cotrol arm (1 pivot point) with a strut to keep them in place. a lot of people change them over to a-frames at more expense to eliminate the strut and because it looks better.
I think the Pacer unit that Bulldogcountry used is similar and also a fairly easy installation.