Should here be any issue with shock to tire clearance running stock 205/45/17 tires and stock offset wheels?

 

How much drop? I think you would be good for about 1.2" lower, maybe a little more.

Likely you are OK but too much drop and you can risk slight rubbing at some point.

Once you are dropped you won't be able to use 215/45-17.
You could use 215/40-17.

 

I think that must be the case. I am dropped so that there is essentially no wheel gap and the tire is rubbing on the lower collar/mount on the threaded portion of the body.

I experienced rubbing on a +43 17x7 set of wheels, so I added a spacer to correct the issue. But now I am back to running the stock +48 - 205/45/17 combo and it looks like it is still rubbing.

I guess Im about 1in "too low" i n the front.


Any idea what the stock measurement is from ground to top of the fender arch?

 

Stock tire diameter is 24.3"

Top of fender plastic arch facing tire is usually slightly higher than the tire diameter. If it is lower then you need more negative camber to tilt the top of the tire inward to get some clearance. Or you can go with a more narrow tire and stretch fit it to the 17x7 rim.

You can use:
195/45-17, fits 6-7.5" wide rim, tire diameter 23.9", Load rated 85.
Or
205/40-17 fits 7-8" wide rim, tire diameter 23.5", Load rated 84.
These sizes can be found with Yokohama S.Drive (Ultra High Performance Summer tire)