Just finalized the purchase of some 17" rims and tires for my 04 MC and am wondering; If i buy lowering springs (1" front, 1.4" rear) is anything else absolutely necessary to drive on them? I'm in a crunch for money, but not sure if I wanna break something. I keep hearing stuff about camber plates, control arms, etc. I also don't MIND spending money on the required stuff, just wanna know what I'm getting myself into

 

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None of the suspension modifications are required with changing the wheels and tires only; that is, if the wheel offset, tire & wheel width & aspect ratio are close to a stock size, then no spacers would be needed. If you have non-SS springs, there may or may not be some rubbing but again that would depend on the wheel & tire size.

For the street, lowering enhances the look, but takes away from performance and comfort. After trying 10 different sets of spring combinations, three struts, and a set of adjustable Leda coilovers, I find the stock springs perform the best in the vast majority of street situations. If you enjoy fast tight corners, a set of front camber plates will give you good traction and even tire wear, if you still want more, a moderately stiffer rear sway bar would be the next progression. A good alignment is a must and as long as there is nothing wrong with some suspension or chassis component, and the vehicle is not radically lowered, adjustable rear lower control arms will not be needed.

 

Wheels are 17x7 with 45mm offset. Tires are 215/40.

Rubbing was one concern, any thoughts?

 

Stock S has 17x7 as optional on 205/45... I just bought 215/45 (1.5% error reading slow)... you went the other way, so your speedo/odo will read fast by 2%....

I don't know what the offset for stock is...

As for suspension mods, I agree with k_huevo... I was told by a tech who drives many cars, that the sus. mod should be going slightly stiffer on the back, then add camber plates...