how hard would it be to switch a 1987 front end to a 1992-1996 front

not that i know, but are you talking about steering & suspension, or sheetmetal? or both? seems like i have seen somewhere someone had changed the fenders/hood/grille/etc.....might try a search

sheet metal hood,fenders,grille,bumper,headlights,doors

ask Zilla=Raf

Front fenders, hood, bumper, grill, radiator support with headlights are all interchangable but i'm not sure about the cowl panel.