Yeah you'd never get it aligned with the stock uca's. As far as your leaf springs looking bad with the lift, your not gonna see them anymore than you can see them now if that's what you mean. Did you get aftermarket shocks as well?
Maybe a small block? I'm not really sure. I noticed on my truck when I first got it. But for some reason when after I lifted it I don't notice it. It's common so I'm sure there's a solution
I live in sw Virginia in the sticks. Cost of living is very low especially compared to California. Mortgage payment isn't terrible it was the down payment that sucked!