If I restore from Backup, will that restore text messages?

dont know anything about JB but a restore from a backup will also bring back texts from when you last backed it up

 

it will def restore your text messages, if you're already jailbroken then it's advisable to do a fresh install as some files will be left over, although if you simply restore the backup the phone will run fine... it's just me maybe, i like a fresh install... mmm mmm mmm!

 

You are correct. Make sure you check off the option that says "Disable automatic syncing for iPhones and iPods" - that way it won't start syncing as soon as you connect it. Once iTunes recognizes that the phone is connected, just right-click on the phone in iTunes and select Restore from backup.

 

indeed, an important point to raise! i actually lost a backup in the past through the accidental syncing of my iphone, it's INTEGRAL to MAKE SURE THAT AUTOMATIC BACKUP IS DISABLED.

if you just want to restore the MESSAGES from the iPhone then there is an interesting article at macosxhints. i haven't tried it myself but looks interesting!