It is counterintuitive that the springs would get stiffer as they got shorter. Seems like they would get...well, just shorter. But the internet confirms it. We'll see, I have some time... would like to find an option that doesn't decrease the travel. As far as tires go, I see that the vw vanagon crowd uses the 195/75/14s, so I am watching out for a used set of those with all-terrain tread to use on the stock rims - glad you steered me away from new wheels.