I'm right behind you in my 17 6 speed at 68k miles this morning. I haven't noticed any axle noise on mine, but my commute is almost entirely rural highway, so I expect the impact on axles, steering components and, well, just about everything, is low. I'm wondering if I might get 200k out of the brakes.
I also got a little over 60k miles out of the OEM tires. You are dead on about the fuel economy and the tires: If you like your fuel economy... I filled up this morning and see some shades of its former self, but getting 55 MPG was a lot more effort than it used to be. Before the new wheels and tires, this last tank would have probably been 60 MPG. Can't really complain about 55 MPG though.
I also got a little over 60k miles out of the OEM tires. You are dead on about the fuel economy and the tires: If you like your fuel economy... I filled up this morning and see some shades of its former self, but getting 55 MPG was a lot more effort than it used to be. Before the new wheels and tires, this last tank would have probably been 60 MPG. Can't really complain about 55 MPG though.
