Just installed an ICON Stage I lift on my 05 Sports Edition 2WD - which just turned 48k on the odometer. The quality of the ICON components is impeccable and the ride quality is close to stock, but a bit 'stiffer' than stock. Steering response feels a bit 'lighter/looser' compared to pre-lift steering feel, primarily at highways speeds, but I anticipate that as the new springs and coil-overs settle and the suspension is re-tuned, the ride and steering feel will only improve. I suspect the difference in steering feel may be associated primarily with the fact that fatigue of the original springs altered the alignment geometry resulting in a 'heavier/tighter' steering feel vs. the ICON setup.
Before the lift installation, the front had sagged sufficiently that the tires were rubbing occasionally under certain combinations of bumps, turns, and suspension travel. Now, with 265/70/R17 Nitto TerraGrappler G2 tires on 17" x 9" AE Alloy 023 Series Wheels (-5mm offset/4.75" backspace) I have detected no rubbing issues of any kind - and that's with mudflaps and fender liners left intact. I'm certain that if larger tires were paired with these wheels, or if these tires were paired with a wheels having a more negative offset, then some rubbing would be more likely up front.
As it stands, the tire/wheel combo extends outward approximately 2" more than the stock wheels and tires and I'm very happy with the look. Further, I don't expect too much drop in MPG having gone up only one tire size in profile from 265/65/17 to 265/70/17. Also don't expect excessive speedometer error with this setup, but I'll report back after I've put some 500 miles or so on it. This could take a few months, however!
In the meanwhile, I'll take some additional pics, post any new observations, and answer any questions you might have about my build project. Thanks to all of you who posted detailed information that helped me make my build decisions!!!
