What's the gold amount for a 8th level character... 20 - 30K?
Go with the basics:
+1 Full Plate Mail, Light Fortification (5,650gp)
+1 Lg. Steel Shield, Death Ward (4,120gp) [I think that D.W. is a +1 enc.]
Ring of Mystic Healing ( ~3,000gp) [cast a CLW and spend 4 charged to add 4d6 to...