For the amount of work to change them I would not worry about cost just buy good ones
Top 3 are
TTI Ceramic
Dougs Ceramic
Hooker 5115 , you would have to get them coated , can't buy them done .
these all stay above the steering center link & fit well .
You need to measure the crank & see if it is in spec , the damper is done , it is in very bad shape .
It would depend what your plan is for the engine , you could do a 512 stroker kit with a new steel crank , rods & pistons this would allow you to use a internal balance damper instead
Not a fan of KYB , We used a lot of different adj shocks on drag set ups , not so much on cornering / street set ups
Bilstein & QA1 are great , even Rancho makes great shocks .
More control with a manual , which is why I love them . Easy to repair too .
I have owned over 100 vehicles mostly Mopar & virtually never had an Auto . I have driven tractor trailer 13 - 15 - 18 spd , Dump truck etc , Driven ice roads in tractor trailers for years .
Everyone has their...
Caster corrects the steering , most of the front end will swing easily so maybe disconnect the pitman arm from the center link & see if the steering moves ok , possible the steering box is causing an issue