96 4.0 4x4 dune build help

[247motorsports]

Hey guys new to the fourm amd rangers. I live in michigan and go to silver lake sand dunes as often as possible. Ive got a couple lifted chevys but just bought a 96 ext cab ranger and looking to jump into the pre runner world. Ive done some looking at long travel and v8 swaps. Currently its sitting on 31s and just replaced the shocks, coils, leafs, and mounts/hangers. Just not to sure what my options are and what the best things to do it would be? Its strictly a dune truck that may see ocasional 2 track trails. Whats the best thing to do to it right off the bat and what would you guys say is best for what we are looking to do to it.
96 stx 4.0 automatic ext cab

 

[willy]

Id start with long travel and drive it till the 4.0 dies then 96 97 explorer swap it