I just bought a 2008 Ranger 4.0 SOHC Sport 4x4.

I am planning on making it a project truck, what steps do you guys recommend ? I am looking to keep it faily modest as opposed to a previous Ranger I had with a 7 inch total lift and 35's. Ultimately I would love to swap out the 6 for an 5.0 V8, but in my mind that is the final step.

if I had to make upgrades, to keep the truck going as smooth as possible for no more than 6 to 9 months?

Thanks
Angelo