Stick with 33's and you need to go for 4.88 with your 2.5L engine and 5-speed transmission combination. That's the ideal ratio for your Jeep running 33's.
Your 2.5L engine means your rear axle is a Dana 35 which definitely (!) is not strong enough for 35" tires. 33's are the absolute upper limit. Not to mention your 2.5L couldn't turn 35's very well since the lowest gear ratio you can install into the Dana 35 is 4.88 and that ratio is only suitable for 35's with the 4.0L engine.
The biggest problem with 35's on a Dana 35 is what you'll see here... http://www.billhughes.com/dana35c/. And not all of those are even 35" tires... lockers and getting too aggressive on the trail can break the Dana 35 with even smaller tires if you don't respect its limitations. But for most people, the Dana 35 holds up with 33's so long as you don't also install a locker and don't get crazy with it.
My helper runs 5.13's with a Super 35 kit on his TJ with 35's. He followed us all over JV with it but is sucks on the highway. He is wound out at 65 and it struggles at everything speed or acceleration related. He did drive it to JV and I toss all of his camp gear, spare parts, ice chest and food on my trailer.
Your diesel truck is a beast Blaine. Even when towing your trailer with your TJ and magic parts bin with every spare Jeep part known to mankind on it, and the big camper on the back of the truck, you passed me up on the hill into JV. Heck I was just in my TJ with its 4.88 gearing and 35's towing that little lightweight pop-up tent trailer.
What transmission, engine, and tire size are you gearing for?
Generally speaking, with reasonable wheeling habits, the Dana 35 holds together pretty well with 33's at the largest. It's after installing a locker into a Dana 35 when its axle shafts start breaking.
