I am getting a set of 18s to replace the stock 17s on my GS. If the overall wheel and tire diameter is within 1-2% of stock, will I need a new alignment, or does it have to do with the wheel size more than the total diameter?

 

I say, most likely you'll be fine, just keep your eye on thread for first 1000 miles and see how it will wear out

- Jake

 

Hey Stoner,
Personally I would say if you are going to spend the money on new wheels and tires it would probably be woth the 30 -50 bucks to make sure that your tires don't get worked by an alignment problem. My personal experience from today after I just spent 2K on wheels and tires I went straight to my alignment shop, as it turns out my camber was negative and I would have damaged my tires in no time.

House

 

I second what House66 has stated...Don't think about how little you are changing the overall suspension specs by going from 17in to 18in....Just realize that you are changing the overall suspension specs on your vehicle which warrants an alignment...Better safe than sorry

 

I'm going to be the bad guy and disagree.

Here's my theory. Technically your suspension has not change from changing the diameter of the tire. You will still have the same tow, camber, and caster settings. Nothing was taken appart.

Please let me know if I'm wrong.

 

true, technically nothing was shifted around, but then again you're changing around what was set up for a 17" rim to an 18". you would if you didn't just get the alignment to be on the safe side. i doubt you're gonna find a set of 18" tires for what the cost of an alignment would have been should they wear out prematurely.

Dont be lazy. Get the alignment.

 

Well, i agree with you. If it would be drastic change wheel width than yes, it would change camber settings but not by much. I would suggest alignment if it wasn't done recently to be on safe side, other than that he'll be fine.

 

I had never considered this. What about us guys who switch out the 17s for the 16s every winter? I assumed nothing in the suspension changes when you change out wheels.