'91 Eddie Bauer 4x4 - Need insight. Suggested first mods?

[Jawdrop]

As the title states, I have a 1st gen 4x4 EB edition. The engine only has 72k and some change, as it was replaced by for a while back.

Anyhow, it's all OEM as it stands. I've replaced radiator hoses, fan clutch, fuel pump, and high end spark plugs. But nothing of any significance.
My main source of angst is the suspension. Im fairly ignorant to mechanics, I have a much broader understanding of electrical systems and their application than I do engine or displacement systems. But from what I can see/attribute it looks as if the rear is OEM and the front has struts. I dont know if struts were stock, but they look aftermarket as theyre chrome coated. Point being, my ride is miserable. Even speed bumps toss me around, god rest the poor souls who are in the back seats. The slightest uneven pavement on the freeway seems like a ride through the baja.

Also, my m.p.g. is shotty. Highway good, but surface streets chug my tank more so than to be expected. Starting from a stop produces a resistance from the fuel system almost like mild turbo lag. My PSI is on point, I checked. But I dont know, I think it's just a cumulative lack of applied performance.
So, accordingly, I have been thinking I could benefit from a high end performance air filter/intake. To pair with this, I would also like to supplement a high end muffler. I welded my muffler enclosure off when I replaced my fuel pump, as it was dangling and the source of unnecessary road noise.

So, as stated Im ignorant. I dont know what routes to take as far as which parts I could benefit from. I need an entire suspension swap out/upgrade, and dont mind going high end. And I need a upgraded filter system, and muffler.
Any suggestions or recommendations for specifics? Or any recommendations to expand on what Im already looking for? I dont mind spending the money for benefited modifications.

Id appreciate any help I could get. Im going to invest in a Haynes book here soon, here theyre wondrous.

 

[techieman33]

What exactly are you looking to get other than a better ride? Do you want stock height, lifted, lowered? A picture of the front suspension would let us know what your working with now.

 

[Freshmeat]

Have you replaced your fuel filter? I recommend a Wix.

Have you cleaned your MAF? It's the device attached to the air filter box. Remove it from the filter housing and the intake neck and you'll see two strands running across a very small tube. Clean those with electronics cleaner or MAF cleaner, disconnect the battery for about five minutes, then hook it back up.

That may help with your off the line performance.

Like techie stated, pictures of your current suspension set-up would help us figure out what you have so we can get you fixed up further.

 

[Jawdrop]

What exactly are you looking to get other than a better ride? Do you want stock height, lifted, lowered? A picture of the front suspension would let us know what your working with now.

Il get some pics up in the afternoon. But really I wouldnt mind an entire swapout of the suspension system and putting something better in altogether. Id like to include a mild lift when I do it as well, Im sitting too low for comfort. And as far as my thoughts on engine enhancements, is there anyone with an opinion?