would the handling change for the worse if I were to get 17x7.5 front and 17x8.0 for the rear. I know that the stock stagger is 1" but can I got with a .5" stagger with the right tire size and still not lose any handling?

Would 215 for the front and 245 for the rear be acceptable and would that width fit the rims that I mentioned?

 

An 8" wheel is the minimum width for most 245 mm wide tires, but you can do it. You will lose some of the benefit of that wide tire by putting it on a narrow wheel but it's within the tire manufacturer's recommendations, so you should be fine. The front should be fine as well. Just pay attention to offsets when you choose your wheels. There is a Wheel Fitment Guide sticky at the top of the forum page which will help, if you haven't already read it.

Cheers.