I may be in the process of getting a 96 cav that the engine is shot on it. Not sure what is wrong, but if i have to put in in a new engine, is it all that hard? I have helped a few people work on engines and helped take out a few, but is it most droping it in and bolting and hooking it all up? or do i have to weld and what not? It will most likly be the same engine type, so it should just fit in right? And if so What would be good to replace along with new engine? thanks

Disconnect everything, pull engine.

My suggestion is going out the bottom with the motor+transmission. It's so much easier.