Wheels make a big difference on what size tire fits. The stock wheels allow the biggest tires. A 33" tall tire fits ok with the stock wheels, but a 33 12.5 15 on your regular 8" wide rim will not fit. So to maximize the space you should stick with the stock wheels or use wheels with the same back spacing as stock.
I made 35 12.50 15's fit on my '96, but had to cut quite a bit out of the front fender towards the rear, the plastic flairs cover up most of the cutting, but the stock mud flaps had to come off. Also I had to flatten out the fender lip in the rear, but the plastic flairs hide all of that work. The only rubbing I had is the pass front tire would rub the washer fluid resivoir when hard on the bump stops, like when jumping.
Unless you add a body lift it will make no difference how you "lift" the trooper. The same size will fit at stock height.
I would agree that the OME 912 coils with a mild T-bar crank is the best option. Be aware that the front tires tow in as you lift, so measure the tow and make an adjustment as needed.