I see that it has the frame repair plate behind the steering box. Depending on how you use the truck, a bolt-on brace from Offroad Design would be a good thing to keep from having problems in the future. Also, make sure that you check the steering box mounting bolts every once in a while, more often if you wheel it hard. A front locker works it harder, unless you add hydraulic assist to the steering.
The springs that you have are probably stiff, but you are wanting to drop it down some, you are probably going to get new ones anyway. I personally like custom springs for a good ride, but they are more expensive. You could disconnect the front sway bar from the axle U-bolt plates, tie it up and see how that affects the ride. You may get some body roll, but it should ride better by not binding the movement of the springs.
If you aren't going to use it really hard, I would look for a 6 lug semi-floating 14 bolt axle. But it will require welding on new perches.