OK, so it seems that most lift designs have you cranking on the torsion bars. But reading the racing forums it seems that running the front half shafts as level as possible is the best for strength and durability.

Would it be productive to go with a bigger mechanical lift up front and drop the torsions?

In my case I want to stuff 35s under my '08. Would it make sense to put a nominal 8" lift on the front, with lowered t-bars, and six inch blocks in the back?

If you want 35's on an 08, your best bet would be a Cognito 7-9 w/ upper control arms and Deaver rear springs set @ 7"

This should help.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70558&stc=1&d=1218778222

Here's about 9" on 37's
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=69248&d=1216421553