How imperative are new UCA's with this lift...?

without the new UCAs, you can get camber and toe near zero so that tires will wear properly but your caster will be too low.

Low caster makes it feel like the truck wanders a little. I just installed an OME kit and plan to get LR UCAs someday. $410 on wheelers site now.

The alignment shop can tweak the camber to get more caster but then you're sacrificing tires for steering feel.

 

Also, I should add that I'm not looking to seriously off road this thing but proper alignment and function is top concern. I don't want something that requires monthly maintenance or it squeaks. If possible, I'd like a relatively low maintenance lift that will still drive as well as stock but clear the tires I'm going to use.

I look forward to getting away from the girly stock appearance this thing has. I felt the same way about my Rubicon till I lifted it a little and put 255/80/17 KM2's under it.

 

X2

 

This, and check out headstrong off road, they are cheaper there