Maintaining wife's ILR whilst working abroad for 3 years

[webirtles]

Hi. I hope I am doing this correctly.

Following my wife getting ILR, I was lucky enough to get work in Vietnam. I am 64. For various reasons it would be good for us to be here for 3 years before returning to permanent residence in the UK.
I understand the 2 years max absence abroad specification for retaining the ILR. I am wondering if there are any reliable ways of establishing that we have enduring links with the UK.
For example:
My wife has a UK bank account with me.Should we extend her financial investments?
I was going to defer my pension until I return. Is this relevant?
We intend to visit UK based family in the 2nd year. Is there a length of visit that would be more persuasive to UKBA?
We do not own property in the UK but intend to buy when we return. Is there a way to prove this? Would it help if UKbased family were interested in a joint purchase? How would we prove this?

I would welcome any information.

[vinny]

It may be difficult. Do try to return (for the purpose of settlement), at least once, within 2 years.

Can she naturalise before travelling?