rally ranger?!
 

I am looking to get into amauter rallying come spring and was wondering where to even begin on the suspension, I was planning on using some factory aluminum 15's with rally tires(only size I can seem to find are 215/60/15 or so, small for a ranger) I was wondering how to increase my trucks durability and handling, while keeping it off-road capable(may be small jumps)

I have a 2002 xlt 2wd with a lsd.

Would the smaller tires effectively lower my truck and increase handling?

What kind of shocks would be good?

Would wheel spacers do anything?

Would sway bars help or hurt in off-road racing?

Should I change my alignment specs?

I need to keep it streetable, and do haul things from time to time.