Struts, springs, sway bars and other stuff

Hi Folks,
Money is usually very tight (on disability) for me so I need to be very careful about the purchases I make so excuse the long thread
I posted here b4 on this subject, but my thread got highjacked by a dude with a snapped wheel bolt and well the thread is about five months old.
Got more specific questions as well. Because got some more exp. With my car.
#1 Do worn shocks have anything to do with height off the ground or is that just the springs, cause I ground out on drive ways and those parking cement blocks.
Seeing if I should replace the springs too, after all this is a 13 year old car (04 born Oct '03)

#2 does anyone have experience with sensen struts I have been reading the forums and there are good and bad reviews. It's a 220 buck difference for all four vs. kyb on eBay.

#3 people talked in my previous thread about replacing the sway bars with ones from Corolla or Matrix which years bolt on to the '04 Prius and how much of an improvement can I expect?

#4 seems like there is a difference between the '04 and the 05-09 and a difference between the 04-06 and the 07-09 touring in shocks and struts. Would struts made for the 07-09 touring still bolt in without having to mod it?

#5 that Tanaka (?) tower bar does that really make much of a difference, how difficult is it to install and does any1 here have a used one for sale and do those bars wear out?

#6 those links that are on the front can one get aftermarket bushings ? Actually what bushings should be replaced on 13 yrs old prius?
#7 I was looking at some threads about tires and the Altimax RT43, seem to be superior in all weather handling than most of the LRR's especially ones in the low to mid price range and still rival on fuel economy. Considering the price difference I mean the only ones I found cheaper than these were the ecopia 422 (non-plus) and those dun get good handling grades. Anyone that has real life experience please chime in.

#8 while I got 2 new dents in my door I am getting a check for it that will be going into four new tires struts , some modules to improve my HV battery some more and some over due bills, I want to be thrifty but I want to get my car in ship shape. So I need as much info as I can get b4 I make decisions on my repairs and cheap upgrades.

Thanks in advance for all your opinions and data, the more the merrier ;-)
terramir

 

Yeah but one question is the springs, considering I ground out on those little concrete blocks in the parking lot, my tires might be partly to blame but it's not like a driveway where there is bounce.
Another factor here is mpg if I use 205/60 R15 they are wider so more friction, that won't do cause less mpg.
Still need more opinions and knowledge,
People please chime in.
terramir

 

Looked for the prius coil rite could only find rear ones for '10-'15
And 50 mpg well I am shooting for more but I do not know if I will be able to even get that.
Was thinking of the rt43's people say better things about them than even the better official lrr options. also the odometer will be off. But wider and slightly bigger tires could be an advantage.
terramir

 

I could still use more info and opinions
terramir

 

Question here is this, would broader tires reduce gas milage. But anyways what would be a good rev per mile for an accurate speedometer.
terramir

 

I decided on the true contact 185's cause they had the best mix of handling and fuel efficiency, plus a 90k warranty. I know that dun mean much, but heck even if I get 65k I'm around the 250k mark on my car. But new KYB shocks and struts are on the list as well as a trip to the junk yard to get the corolla or matrix sway bars.
terramir

 

Well gonna go to pick a part and pull some corolla sway bars, but curious anyone got experience replacing the bushings with those polyurethane ones there are lots on eBay for like about 20 for the front I do not know about the rear. And the front ones also come with new bushings for the links.
terramir