how hard is a v-8 swap into a 1997 2wd 4cyl ranger

You'll want to look at the subframe first, the crossmember to determine what you'll have to change in order to mount the new engine. Bigger engine means more weight, so take into consideration what you have now for brakes and suspension and what you'll need for the 5.0. You'll have to modify or install a new wiring harness and ecm. I can't comment on the tranny as I don't know what you have and whether you can mate it to the 5.0, you might be in the market for a new tranny to work with your setup. Your rear end might also need to be changed out as well as driveshaft.