For #2 do some reading in the transmission section of this forum - get familiar with the "search" option. You'll likely want to drop the transmission pan and change your transmission filter, potentially install a shift kit, potentially install a transmission cooler. You'll likely read about a shift solenoid - which I know nothing about - but this may need to be replaced.
Buy a rebuilt caliper and install. It's more expensive but should save you a lot of time.
For future reference, buy the entire lower control arm rather than replace the ball joints. Again its more expensive but you get lots of additional parts and an easier install.
