[Clarance J]

Hello 2bo.c10. The answer to the second question in your third question is yes you can run a non booster MC with proportioning valve in stock location.
I have had this set-up on my 55.2 for several years now and have had no problems. You will need the adapter bracket that bolts the MC to the frame (either you fab or buy from one of the vendors). From my experience the pedal pressure is not very far away from stock. I got my MC/proportioning valve as one unit.
As to the shifter situation my truck came to me as a 6 cylinder and three on the column but I changed it over to a floor shift with a PEP boys Spark-O-matic shifter. That could be what the OP did.

So just a little bit more information on your search for answers.

Earl aka Clarance J