Where is a good place to get them? Also, what is a good price?

EOE.

I ordered them from EOE, but they do not come with new u-bolts, nor does he sell them. How necessary is it to keep the load leaf in there? I do some towing once in a while.

I just ordered mine today Didn't somebody post about being able to use the stock u-bolts and still being able to leave the load leaf on, but it was a very tight fit?

I think you can get away with the original UBolts. It's the center bolt you'll have to be concearned with. The stock one is too short. But Luckily, the AAL's come with a longer bolt. You'll just have to cut it down to size..it's a little too long.

The Rancho AAL that came with my lift kit didn't require longer u-bolts.I also used the stock center pin. You don't need longer bolts because you are removing the stock load leaf. You won't need it as the AAL gives the needed support. The overall thickness of you spring pack won't change, only the amount of arch does.

According to EOE, it's necessary to leave in the load leaf if I plan to do any towing or carrying heavy loads.

I don't know if I fully agree with that but by no means am I an expert. Looking at my X,one would have to compress the livin' Sh** out of the rear before the load leaf would come into play. Also, the load leaf will definatly be a rock grabber if left on in conjunction with an AAL.
The AC lift instructions say to remove the load leaf. I guess its just personal preferance.

Well, I suppose it's good that some manufacturers recommend taking the load leaf out. I don't plan on towing anything with a huge tougue weight..just a light trailer for ATV's. If it's a rock grabber, I'd prefer to take it off.

i was the one posting about the tight fit with the load leaf on. i have the fabtechs which are a tab bit thinner than the ranchos. with the fabtechs i was able to leave the load leaf and use stock u bolts. with the ranchos i dont think you can.