Outer Limits 4x4 Board

After a few years of owning a GU cab-chassis with 2" spring and 2" body lift, I sold it because I wanted something that was a bit less thirsty, more comfortable on road, could carry 5 people and take a load in the back if necessary.

So I bought a D40 Navara earlier this year and have taken it on a few fairly tame tracks by my old ute's standard, but have been caught out by the huge overhang at the front of the vehicle as well as its pretty long wheelbase, so I am looking to upgrade the suspension and tyres.
My aim is to keep it to about 2 to 3" higher. I don't want a wank factor lift that's going to bring headaches getting engineered and insured, I want to do it once and do it right. Also a lower vehicle will be easier to live with during the week and chew less juice on the highway (which is unfortunately where it is about 90% of the time)

Does anyone know what I need to do to get a result that maximises wheel travel to keep more wheels on the ground more often? Are any spring manufacturer's springs noticably more flexible than another? Will I need to extend bump stops?
My fabrication skills are limited so I will probably have to buy stuff off the shelf, but I reckon a mate and I should be able to fit everything ourselves.

I plan to run a set of really aggressive pattern "play" tyres at about the 285/75R16 or 255/85R16 size. Any recommendations on a really bitey tyre that will fit in the guards without panel work?

Any ideas and first or secondhand accounts of people's experience with modifying their D40's appreciated.

Cheers,
Krusty

best bet would be to look at what snake racing or superior sells for the D40, as they'd probably sell the best suspension kits then some local tyre/suspension place.

I have a 40mm tough dog lift, however still have road tyre's atm. Even just having the lift makes a big difference. Still do bottom out on some ruts and wot not, but over all happy with it. Handle's better on road too.