I want to get 17" rims for my stock GXE, but I heard that you should not go over 16" with the stock suspension. What would be the best thing to do? Also, what spring/shock setup would most keep the ride of the car the way it is?

 

Whoever told you you couldn't go over 16's is full s***!!!
the only reason i could possibly think of fr them saying that is because if you go bigger than 16's you get that damn 4x4 look, which brings me up to your next question. although i have yet to purchase my own big wheels and coordinating spring shock setup, from what i've heard, tokico shocks and eibach springs seem to be the best thing going right now. i've heard that that setup is a little stiffer than stock, but you pick up some great sports style driving asthetics and that performance look, not slammed, but that sports car look. oh yeah, for rims i would highly recomend konig monsoons (crome if your car is dark, and polished if it isn't) good luck and don't foget to post pics!! peace

 

You can use 17" wheels. It will generally increase your handling with the shorter sidewalls on the tires although you lose a little by increasing teh unsprugn weight. I'd say it's a major gain, though, handling wise. Acceleration will _decrease_ because you will have heavier wheels with the rotational weight located further from the hub - not a big issue unless you race a lot. You will need to run the tires with fairly high pressure to avoid damaging the rims (at least in states with bumps in the roads). This will increase handling but will also make the ride quite a bit harsher and bouncier.

Springs will cause a decrease in ride quality. You just can't stiffen a suspension 20% or more and not lose ride quality. If you just _have_ to do it, then choose the least drop and lowest rate you can find. You might want to check out H&R "OE Sport Springs" which have a low rate and moderate drop: http://www.hrsprings.com/site/products/index.html

Bob

 

Theoretically you can go up to 20" wheels on your car if it's stock. That's the bonus of having a wheel gap fit for a truck.