OK I've been reading old posts for two days but I still have some basic questions. I am looking to purchase some 17's before next week, and then lower my ride by July. I need to go with the 4x4 look for a little while cause my tires are near bald, and it's been raining way too much lately.

First, my price limit is $1k for rims and tires. I have found some wheels I like, but I'm wondering if the brands really matter? Has anyone had experience with Exel, Kazera, or Sport Max?

Next is the size, is there a major difference between 17x7 and 17x7.5? Websites recommend a tire size of 205/45/17, but I would like to go with 215/45/17.....would these tires fit correctly on either size wheel? The tires I am considering are Continental ContiExtremeContacts. Here Anyone with personal experience with these tires please respond....or give me some other options.

The last thing is suspension. I am concerned with rubbing the tires and scraping my Evo. I read previous posts and I think I want to go with H&R Sport Springs(1.75F 1.5R) and KYB shocks. Besides being adjustable, is there any height/ride difference between the AGX and GR-2 shocks? I really don't want the car to settle lower than the spring specs. And I will NOT need a camber/alignment kit correct?

Thanks for reading, any opinions are welcome .....also my bolt pattern is 4x114.3 right?

-Dan