I added them from the start. Had them on my 4th gen and wanted the flexibility with alignment specs with the UCAs. I've heard that you don't need them but I didn't want to take that chance.
I have this lift - 250 or 300 miles so far, and paired it with Total chaos UCAs. Got a full 3 inches. I bought it for the same reason you did and I still have the stock front bumper. It’s a little bit springy up front and could use a little weight to even out but it isn’t a bad ride at all. In...