Not sure about #2, but I'll try on #1 and #3.

#1...If you look at the rear bumper brackets on how it's mounted to the frame, there are 2 identical holes that are 2" higher than stock. All you'll need to do is to unbolt the current location and move it up 2" higher. Perfect fit as if the factory had intended for doing a 2" body lift. At least on my '95, there were no need to flip the bumper bracket.

#3...There should be 2 shift boots. The one inside is black, and the one outside is the same color as the interior of your truck (mine is blue, I think?). Anyway, I placed the inside (black) boot upside down, and the outside boot, I had to trim the top off in order to make it work. As for extra heat and sound, I just wrapped and stuffed an old sock around the shifter. The sock is soft enough so as not to bind in shifting, and it absorbs some of the heat and sound. Not pretty, but it works for now.

Another problem for me is the hole I had enlarged at the firewall, where the steering rod goes through. There are definitely heat coming through, especially in the hot TX summer. Still not sure what's the best way to cover the hole as I don't want to bind the steering rod in anyway. Thought about using an old bicycle inner tube, and cut and glue the circumference of the hole. One of the many To-Do list for the fall/winter time.