Yeah, I'm going to back up 4xgeek a bit here...
I've got the Rancho HD T-bars ready to go in, but I'm not doing it to crank or level or lift... I've got a winch and bumper that will need more spring than stock offers. From what I understand, going to HD springs will raise you about .5" if dialed in at the same rate as the stock ones.
I'll be going the BJ Spacer/AAL route for 1.5" inches of lift to fit 32's on the truck, possibly 33's. Not only do you get 1.5" of lift, but also additional travel from the spacer. I don't see how it would put any more stress on steering linkage than crank-lifting would.