We all benefit from sharing this kind of detail. Great report.
About the difference in vehicle height. Were you comparing that to a new KDW 215/50R16 or to the old one that you removed? The usable tread on a tire (8/32", that would be 10/32 tread depth less the 2/32 remaining when worn to the tread wear indicators) would add 1/4" to the ride height of a car by itself (8/32=1/4).
It is possible also for the actual tire diameter to be slightly more than published specs because the rim width may not be optimal for the larger tire. A slighlty narrow rim (but still within the appropriate range) would tend to make the tire a little taller.
I just wonder if the difference in ride height you saw may have been mostly due to new tires with full tread. Something to think about.
