Not having a garage would suck. A co-worker did this exact thing a few weeks ago with two Ford Explorers. He hit a moose and smashed up the front of one really bad. Bought a nice Eddy Bauer Edition with a bad tranny and motor. Swapped the motor and tranny from the smashed one into the Edie Bauer one. Got it all done in a weekend. You would also be swapping a front axle but it should bolt right in.

You could also just swap body panels as you originally planned. Then swap out interior parts as you wish and as time allows. Start with the leather seats.