Transformation is complete! 17" Method wheels installed + Stage3Motorsports leveling kit on Star White Lightning

[AZT9]

Ive been waiting a week to get verified to ask this one question. Is your Lightning an ER with Max Tow? 17's are far easier to find than 18's and this is exactly the wheel an tire I want to run.

Yes. My truck is the ER with max trailer to package so big brakes and yes. They fit. If
You’re looking at methods other models tho you have to hit them up. They confirmed my wheels would fit but other models in 17” would
Not.

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[AZT9]

The

How hard is the leveling kit to install? Is this newbie friendly or does it require an experienced DIY mechanic? Also what special tools did you need?

The leveling kit is very straightforward. Only basic tool necessary. I used no special tools for the install. Took about and hour per side. Tip: before you listen the lower control arm bolts, get some whiteout or other marking instrument and mark the exact location of the bolts before removing them. That will make
It very easy to get your camber and toe close to stock and safe to drive to an alignment shop

 

[bewbie]

Wonder how the lift kit would wear on suspension with it being a heavier truck to begin with. Looks great!

Did you paint the Lariat grille or swap out with a Platinum? If painted, was it done by a body shop?

 

[AZT9]

Wonder how the lift kit would wear on suspension with it being a heavier truck to begin with. Looks great!

Did you paint the Lariat grille or swap out with a Platinum? If painted, was it done by a body shop?

I think with the leveling spacers I got, it’s minimal as they designed these spacers with a distinct offset for proper geometry. I painted and cleared my grille myself. The OEM platinum is like $2k or something crazy

 

[Fast4U]

Yes. My truck is the ER with max trailer to package so big brakes and yes. They fit. If
You’re looking at methods other models tho you have to hit them up. They confirmed my wheels would fit but other models in 17” would
Not.

Oh so I could just email them for what will fit an ER with Max tow! Nice. Your truck is perfect.

 

[dippinMike]

You have to choose wisely but 17” wheels will for with max tow package! Now she’s perfect!!

Specs:

2.3” leveling kit from Stage3Motorsports
Method MR703 17x8.5 +0 offset
BFgoodrich AT Ko2 285/75R17
No rubbing whatsoever
Bonus: it still breaks all tires loose on acceleration

Very nice! i’m shopping new wheels & tires right now, looking at 17” wheels from anthem off road wrapped in some nitto recon grapplers, the tires I’m looking at, diameter spec shows 33.86” would these clear without rubbing and cutting anything?

 

[Typoman]

Pardon my ignorance, but you could have gone with 22 in and I was wondering why you didn't was the price of the tires considerable?

 

[AZT9]

Very nice! i’m shopping new wheels & tires right now, looking at 17” wheels from anthem off road wrapped in some nitto recon grapplers, the tires I’m looking at, diameter spec shows 33.86” would these clear without rubbing and cutting anything?

I can confirm no rubbing with the leveling kit and any negative offset up to zero offset. If you start getting into the positives you may need to trim

 

[AZT9]

Pardon my ignorance, but you could have gone with 22 in and I was wondering why you didn't was the price of the tires considerable?

I’m assuming your mean 22” wheels? For me it’s simply preference. I prefer more tire than wheel for both looks and functionality. I found that tire prices varied a lot depending on brand obviously but also the popularity of the tire size. More popular sizes are made en mass whereas less used sizes tend to cost more due to economies of scale is my guess

 

[AZT9]

I can confirm no rubbing with the leveling kit and any negative offset up to zero offset. If you start getting into the positives you may need to trim

Also this site was a great tool to figure out best fit with good visuals

https://www.customwheeloffset.com/wheel-offset-gallery

 

[dippinMike]

the wheels i’m looking at are 17x9 -12mm offset. to me this is meaning that the offset will push the wheel away from the truck, but would that cause more potential to rub depending on tire size? when you are turning, how close do you get with the 285/70R17 tires? they measure in at 33.8 (diameter). do you think there is room to run 35” diameter tires?

 

[AZT9]

the wheels i’m looking at are 17x9 -12mm offset. to me this is meaning that the offset will push the wheel away from the truck, but would that cause more potential to rub depending on tire size? when you are turning, how close do you get with the 285/70R17 tires? they measure in at 33.8 (diameter). do you think there is room to run 35” diameter tires?

Stock wheels are -44 I believe. - means closer to the center line of the truck or tucked into the wheel well. +is away from the a centerline or sticking outside the fender. So a -12 will stick out a little more than the stock wheels. 33.8 shouldn’t rub at all. A member did fit 35s on his leveled Lightning however he was using raptor take offs which have a large -38 or so offset so no rub. Your -12 with 35s may need some minor plastic trimming but I don’t know for sure

 

[dippinMike]

pretty sure stock is positive +44 offset, so going to -12 would be a difference of 56mm pushing the wheel away from / out of the wheel well

I might go with tires that are under 34” diameter, I think they would be good on a -12mm offset (fingers crossed)

 

[AZT9]

pretty sure stock is positive +44 offset, so going to -12 would be a difference of 56mm pushing the wheel away from / out of the wheel well

I might go with tires that are under 34” diameter, I think they would be good on a -12mm offset (fingers crossed)

Shit
You’re absolutely right. I had it backwards. I’m a terrible source of info.

 

[dippinMike]

lmao, no worries thought it might've been a typo, anyways your truck came out awesome! the wheel and tire setup is very nice. what did the method wheels cost?

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