Aftermarket Wheel Install  - july 24, 2009 01:44am - 63

I finally decided to order Konig Feather 17x7 Wheels with Yokohama S.Drive 225/45R-17 Tires to replace the fugly stock wheels on my 2006 Corolla S.
Went to Harbor Freight and picked up 3 ton jack stands and a 2 ton jack -- unfortunately they were out of the 20" lift height jack I originally went in for.
Also grabbed a 21mm socket and a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter at Lowes.

The stock lug nuts felt about 25% over the recommended torque -- the impact wrench that a neighbor lent couldn't budge them. Then later on in the process after the new wheels were placed, I finger tightened the lug nuts, lowered the car slightly, then torqued all lug nuts to 76ft/lbs, slowly tightening using a star pattern over several passes.
Later that night, I made a half-assed attempt to peel out near Alderwood, and the tires just said NOPE.. *grip*. I'm always amazed with the difference in handling that a set of aftermarket wheels and tires provide.