New member from OK

New member from OK. Recently purchased a 2016 Forester base model with 6 sp manual. Looking to upgrade tires with AT's for gravel and neglected road use/daily on paved roads commuter use as well. I've read to get lifts first before looking at tires, but I'm looking at going to a 28.1" to 28.3" or so tire to keep as much of the original power characteristics as possible and limit mpg loss. A friend recommended replacing "shocks" as over 12k miles, yet not aware that struts with 40,000 need replacement at all. Lifting would be 1" to 1.5" at most, also.