you have to take into consideration that the stock gearing is aimed at the stock tire size, so all though they are already low gears, as soon as you go up in tire size you are messing with that ratio and wanting lower gears to get it back to the proper ratio.

i just weighed my sport at my old work and it came in at 2860 with me and all my off road gear in it! that was also lifted, with the much heavier wheels! I think that 3500lbs is a little off!

there is also a body lift that you can find, just do a search for 4CRAWLER and you will find it.

and the UP YOUR KIA spacers also are available for stock springs, and if you want to only use them in the front, i think guys are using aerostar coils in the back or TJ coils.

do a search for them in this forum and you will find all the contact info you need to get ahold of dennis!