Preview works fine in Safe mode.
Safe mode loads more conservative drivers, but they are functional. Safe mode also does not load 3rd party kernel extensions, nor 3rd party launch agents and daemons, and it does not run your login items. Safe mode clears the kernel cache, and does a file system check while booting. Otherwise Safe mode is close to normal mode.
Please post the kernel panics you are getting. Maybe it is something we have seen before and can offer suggestions.
Finder -> Go (menu) -> Go to folder -> /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports
Command-Shift-Period will show invisible files. Look for files that end in the word .panic or .contents.panic and post them in an Additional Text box
Press Command-Shift-Period to hid the Finder invisible files again.