1997 Ford F-150 Replacing used parts

Two questions in one: First, is it typical for someone to have to remove part of the exhaust system to remove a transmission? Real question: I recently bought a '97 Ford F150 from a friend who claimed it was in running condition. Then he claimed there was a problem with the transmission and removed it, taking a good chunk of the exhaust system with it and effectively destroying it by cutting the pipes. He left it at his brother-in-law's house and instead of fixing it just abandoned it and I had to come have it towed. I want to put a transmission in just to get the truck started so I can find out if there is anything else wrong with it--is it possible to even temporarily pop in a working transmission from a 95 F150? Both are automatic and 4x4 but mine is a V6 and the other is a V8. Thanks!