[MalibuKasey]

Well coming from the drag racing world myself I might can help....
1. 9".... to be honest the twelve bolt that is in it would withstand about just as much worst case scenario toss some c-clip eliminators on it and call it gravy.
2. Looking for a fan shroud myself....
4. I use CPP spindles that way I wouldnt have to mess with ball joints and all that. There made by Western Chassis. But keep in mind when you do that you have to change to disks in the front... plenty of threads on here to help with that.
5. As for the drop.... this is always a question... what works for whatever... AND its a big debate. Im sittn 5.5/7 and still have atleast 4.5" of clearance. Im honestly thinking about going an inch lower all the way around.... I have yet to drag or rub anything.

Good luck with the build... This site has about everything you could possibly ask on it. I think the search feature has become one of my best friends!