New to Jimny's

Hi Folks

So this is my first post on here and I an new to the Jimny world having been a LR guy for 15 years. Used to compete in winch events and indeed became one part of Cheviot 4x4 Club setting up events in the North East of which there were a few Jimny's competing.

I have just sold my Defender as it was just not getting used and was worth a great deal of money so recouped that and looking for a car to enjoy that is capable of doing some off roading.

Been looking at the Jimny and can't decide on the commercial or the car but either way what will I need to make one half decent around the doors but also as a green lane vehicle - I guess tyres, suspension lift/better suspension and some guards etc but will I need wheels, changing the drive shafts, brake hoses (extended) etc etc?

Any and all advice is welcome 

Hi and welcome.
Jimny is fairly good with just a set of good tyres and a transfer box guard in my opinion. After that you can spend as much cash as you want for the gains they may bring. 
Most go straight to suspension lift after this, then larger tyres to improve the actual ground clearance. Tyre size changes brings performance and body clearance issues, always be guided by the good people on here if you go this route.

On the subject of Commercial or car versions - because of it's almost total lack of a usable boot, my back seats are permanently folded, unless I really need to cart people around, and then I would use the missus's car rather.

Yes I am the same. if you don't move people (more than two), most end up with what has become the commercial. That's rear seats folded down all the time or, as I my case, removed totally. Possibly more of a GEN 3 issue as the folded seats don't make a level load area, but I would have no problems with a G4 commercial layout. But it's down to your circumstances, makes no difference to off or on road performance.Not 100% sure if the G4 commercial seats are further forward (due to load space compliance) than the none commercial version. If true possibly something to consider if you are long of leg.

A Jimny is best considered as a cross between a side by side and a defender. A sort of happy medium, not quite as good off road in standard from as a side by side but better for towing and road use yet not as good as a defender at towing but much more comfortable and lighter so better in tight confinement and soft ground. I may be biased as I have had 5 Jimnys.

Had a drive in the commercial and the bulkhead stops the seat going back as far as I would like as the rear seat sits too upright but I can either remove the bulkhead or sit slightly further forwards, its not a problem.

After the test drive I was quite impressed and think I need one in my life - just need to work out a budget for some bits really.

Hate the steel wheels but like the alloys and think I would got for some slightly over sized tyres such as the BFG's - recommendations please.

Don't want to change it too much as it would be a green lane and road car but need it to be capable.