Drifter doesn't really seem to know what he's talking about... :p

The jump from 31 to 33" tires is only about 7%. No, its not that much more drivetrain "stress." However, with an automatic, it may change how the transmission shifts into/out of overdrive (it may kick down out of overdrive more often than you'd like). You can lock it out of OD if happens too much on hills or in a headwind, etc.

You don't need the aftermarket t-bars to crank in a little lift. They are just stiffer springs. If you need/want stiffer, then go for it.

Another option is the ball joint spacers. They will add lift and suspension travel, without making anything stiffer.

As was mentioned, cranking the bars won't really keep the tires from rubbing. The suspension is still allowed to travel up to its bumpstops. It may happen less often since it has to travel farther to get to that same point though. You can limit the travel by spacing the bumpstops down, but then you have less overall travel.



Hammering the firewall seam is by far the simplest solution...