2nd gen 5 lug new wheels/tires. What I chose and why. (mini tutorial)

Hey all. My old dunlops on 15"s are trashed. I understeered into a snow bank the other day. Its about time for some new rubber. I really don't want to spend $400 on tires for the stock steelies.
Stock tire size: 215 70r/15 The new tire size I've picked is 225 55r/17.

It is just 0.4% smaller in diameter, a half inch wider, and should look much better overall.

The wheels I've chosen are the cheapest good looking gunmetal color wheels I could find. They happened to be from discount tire direct. They are the Liquid Metal, Shift. $118 each, $50 off buying 4. They're a 17 inch rim, 7.5 wide.


Here is lots of info on how the old/new size compare. Stock on the left:
(disregard any of the measurements involving the wheel well, suspension, backspace fender etc. this is just wheel and tire.)




Tire Choice: I live in Maine, and have noticed that bald Dunlop's don't do all that well in the snow. BUT I do a LOT of miles. Its 18 miles to my highschool, 1 way. Its 260 miles to my dads house, 1 way. I do trips into new Hampshire/Mass often. Its around 30 thousand miles a year. For this reason, I'm going with regular all season tires. I need my quiet, good handling, good on gas truck to continue to do so. (I avg 24.5 on trips, 23 around my area) I chose the cooper evolutions, due to cost, good reviews, and availability. Discount Tire Direct will mount, balance, and ship this entire setup to my door.


The final project cost is $936. This is the tires, mounted on wheels. including a set of lug nuts, hub centric spacers to fit my truck, and basic valve stems, tax, and shipping to my house in Maine. I will be ordering today 12/30/20.

Please share your thoughts with me! I'd love to hear it.
I will also post this in the 5 lug section, due to the lack of information on wheels specifically for 5 lugs.
Some pictures of my truck as is, before new wheels and tires.

 

Looks nice..What are you doing with the old steelies?

 

Wanted max tire w/o fitment issues. 235 75 15. Bridgestone Duelers from Costco.

Stock 'spare' wheels, painted and fitted with SS trim rings for an old school vibe.

Gained 1" of real lift from using the 2" taller tires.

Happy with the results.