V8 question.
 

I have a 99 ranger and a complete 98 5.0 explorer. I have obtained a 99 fuel rails and harness too.

My question is

Should I bump up to the 351 if i get the short block for free?

If I had your choices, I'd go with the 5.8. Always better to start out with more cubes IMO.

After a bit of research looks like I would need a gen 1 lightning lower intake, and most likley a body lift. Im looking into a 1 inch BL. The intake seems to be the next step. Im not totally committed to this 351 though.