False. 3 wont eat shafts. I had no issues with boots and the ones that do just repack and use a muffler clamp on the boots. Many do it now as cheap preventative when installing cause it is simple with it all apart.
The Bilstien HD are on backorder, but are the way to go. Not sure when they will be around, but no others seem to be as satisfactory in the years I have been around this platforms lifted rigs.
I hated the z71 rear springs. Rode way too stiff and beat my truck on city streets. But others love them. They are cheap enough to try., The spacer will give a bit more lift than just the z71. If you go with 3 inches you could pair with Skyjacker C25R springs but they are near 4 inches rear lift.
Not sure why you say the 2.5 wil only give you 2 inches of lift. What brand are you referring to? MarkMC stuff is generally right at lift advertised, but what model front springs you have will make a difference as well. You can get heavier spring or use one or both parts of the 2.5 lift in the front and dial in the stance you need.
