Correct. You will have everything apart when doing the lowers and will have to take everything back apart to do the uppers, well almost everything because you might be able to sneak around and not break apart the upper joint when doing the lowers and vice versus.
As far as alignment goes...It needs to be done anytime you tear into the front suspension even if you don't replace the original parts with new one's. Things get altered and it screws with the alignment.
Not saying you may not have or even notice any differences driving down the road, but the alignment will be altered, especially with new parts.

Also, everything means making an appoinment and waiting for thealignment etc.... I hate appoinments. Speakin of which, i got an annual inspection tomorrow morning...ughh. Yet another inconvenience...lol

 

I certainly understand about the alignments. They are pretty good at getting me in and not having to wait for an appointment. I totally agree with what your saying. I don't mind doing the work only if I could purchase everything at once. I will have to wait I assume until I can buy both upper and lower. I just don't wont my truck getting screwed in the front cause of the lower ball joints.