So I have a '91 Jeep Cherokee(build december of 1990, sold as '91, I do not believe it has RENIX parts), Manual 4 wheel drive, 115k miles. I have an engine issue, was told it's piston slap/rod knock. All the auto shops in the area are backed up two and a half months. I am not abandoning my cherokee, I have the means to buy a crate engine but I have never done an engine swap before. I've changed oil, done suspension work and plugs, wires and cap, very basic entry level things. I was warned by more experienced mechanics that doing a rebuild would be much more difficult so I have been leaning toward the swap. If I do the swap I will be working on my own and using youtube guides more or less.

I suppose my question is more "Would you recommend someone attempt this?" and if I do what advice would you have? As I understand it I won't have to drop the transmission to get the engine out and while it's out I figure I may as well do the clutch. My hope is that since it's a 91 it's got less electrical shit to ruin. Generally any advice people can give me at all would be amazing because looking at the job from having done only simple things so far is daunting at best and horrifying at worst. Thank you. (pic not my jeep)