Since I have shackles and TT, will I need to do any trimming for the 35s if I add a BL?
Oh yes, most definitely. Nothing cosmetic, though, especially since I'm imagining you won't be off pavement much. Most of my trimming has come from finding where I get rub in different situations off road.
I see the recommended rim width is 8.5"-11". Im planning on getting new 17x9s. Do you guys think ill need a spacer, or should I change the offset alittle bit?
DO NOT USE A SPACER ON THE FRONT! 17x8s will work and are actually better, IMO, for a 12.5" wide tire. Mine are 17x8 with 4.25" backspacing. That backspacing is probably at the maximum you want to use. It seems about perfect to me, though, and some were saying it was .5" too much. I had to cut some inside cladding, but nothing cosmetic.
I haven't put my front sway bar back on, but I figure that is where it would rub if it's going to...and it probably would. Still debating on whether I really need (actually if my wife really needs) the sway bar on there. I kinda like not having it. Gotta get some limiting straps, though. I'll decide on the sway bar when I get the skid plate marked up.
As for spacers on the rear. I have them. 1.5". The 8.8 is strong. Not worried. It pushes the tires about even and let me get away with very little trimming in the rear. I haven't removed the rear sway bar and seen full flex, yet, but I know there's more trimming going to be necessary back there. If you're all street, you probably wouldn't need to trim at all in the rear if you have spacers.
But again, DO NOT PUT SPACERS ON THE FRONT! These wheels/tires are very heavy. The IFS cannot handle the extra stress of spacers. Some argue they can't handle 35s at all.
Also, can you help me find some pictures of STs with 35"s, 17"s, TT, Shackles, and a BL? I only found 4 so far.
Here's John with that setup.
Here's TxPlates with only a body lift. No TT, no shackles.
More of mine to come soon.
Edit: Sorry, just realized you wanted 17" wheels in those pictures also. Those are 15" wheels. Where did you find STs with 35s on 17s?