I'd look at a Ranger 4Wd chassis. If I remember correctly, some of the Ranger chassis were very easily adjustable for wheelbase, and I'd be surprised if there is not off the shelf V8 conversions. As far as ride height goes, that can be adjusted a bit with wheels and tires. Back in the '80s, a friend had a street only beast of a CJ7 with an AMC 360 that road on 14" rims with low profile radials. It looked like a go-kart....LOL