Admiral what end of the world are you in? What kind of terrain do you expect to usually see?
I Have a 2014 SCAB 3.7 4x4 on Bilstien 5100s at 1.75" front, 5165s with AAL and blocks in the rear, and BFG K02 34x10.5R17 (which is really a 33, and fits in OEM spare spot) 3.73 gears, open rear end (so far) and no factory tow package. Full RCI aluminium skid package (already save the transmission once) Had to run wiring and add hitch, brake control etc, and still don't have the added oil and tranny cooling, or tow rating of the real tow package.
I was toying with the idea of going to a 2018 XLT Ecoboost but you can't get 3.73 gears in the SCAB 6.5' truck. (Plus i bought a 2018 Transit 250 for my business, so don't have the money to upgrade the truck right now anyways)
If I could do my truck again, id get the factory tow package. The auxiliary oil and trans cooling will be worth it when loaded up heavy and off road. I too would get factory E locker.
I think you are on the right path, and sticking to 2" max front lift is a good idea. I am not too sure on the 2018s but my 2014 UCA is pretty decent quality for OEM, so I too didn't want to buy new wheels with different back space to clear uppers I hopefully won't need any time soon. The set up you described weighs in at 200lbs less than my non ecoboost 2014, which to me is a huge selling point. Since this hobby tends to over load vehicles anyways. Also like other guys mentioned, overlanding and wheeling are kind of different, so vehicles builds don't have to be done with the exact same mindset.
Other tire choices are 255/80r17 but you are limited in options, or if you get 18s 275/70r18, both should fit with no issues with a front level.