The 3.0 mechanically is a remarkably reliable engine. Some guys have head gasket problems, and it is somewhat a design issue, but this engine will last a long time but it needs to be maintained and well taken care of.
If you want big tires, a lift, and then rock crawl and tow a trailer up mountain passes, and floor it at every stoplight because it's too slow, then you'll end up ruining it.

Mine has over 300k miles and got 22 MPG on my last highway trip. I drive it on several thousand mile long road trips, on and offroad, without hesitation.

Maintenance on an old vehicle means more than just oil changes I'm afraid. If I wasn't doing my own wrenching I wouldn't own a car this old. But I've been taking care of my own cars my whole life so I am comfortable with it.

For the side impact thing, get a set of rock sliders welded in. Not much you can do about airbags though.

Good luck!