215/75/15's on 99 unlifted Forester

[pierman2]

Just like the title says. Just wanted to Know if anyone has tried it and what results that you have had. This is my first foray into a newer Subie after 5 of the older models, 4 Brats and a Loyale Wagon. Thanks.

[soobmater]

im not sure about the newer soobs but thats the tire i run with a 4" lift.

[outback_97]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83809&highlight=215%2F75%2F15

 

This thread above may help answer your question. Sounds like it might barely fit, but it's hard to find definitive answers. I've wondered the same thing about tires on my OB, I've been wanting to do exactly that size in an LT tire, I've been assuming it'd fit based on just eyeballing it and feeling around the tire for clearances, but based on that thread now I'm not so sure

 

Steve

[tr3ntski]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83809&highlight=215%2F75%2F15

 

This thread above may help answer your question. Sounds like it might barely fit, but it's hard to find definitive answers. I've wondered the same thing about tires on my OB, I've been wanting to do exactly that size in an LT tire, I've been assuming it'd fit based on just eyeballing it and feeling around the tire for clearances, but based on that thread now I'm not so sure

 

Steve

 

Going to find out today. I think they will fit - the tire is 2" taller than the stock 205's, should add 1" lift making a bit more room for themselves. Going with the KUMHO Road Venture AT's. I'll post the results.

Trentski (98 Forester L)

[Crashton]

I've got 215/65/15 Yokahama Tourings on my 2000 & at the rear the clearence is very tight right at the spring perch on the rear struts. They fit, but just. Make sure when you check that the car is on the ground with the suspension loaded.

 

Chuck

[tr3ntski]

And the answer is.... drumroll please.....

.

.

.

THEY DO FIT.

 

Whew, Less than 1/8" clearance to the spring perch in the rear, but they fit. And they look GREAT. I'll post pics once I get them uploaded.

 

Some things to keep in mind:

The speedometer will be off by 5% at highway speed. You are going 70 MPH when it reads 66. So be careful with the speed. The difference is greater the faster you are go.

You lose a little low end torque due to the larger tire diameter, reduces gearing by about 10%.

You are going 70 at 2800 rpm instead of 3000 though, so you save gas!

You also put fewer miles on the odometer due to larger tire diameter, for every 1000 miles driven you record 944 miles.

 

THEY LOOK GREAT though! :-D

[outback_97]

Nice! So no probs with turning or going over uneven stuff too?

 

Now I wish someone with an OB would try the same thing...

 

Question: Why 10% gearing loss, how do you calculate that? I assumed it would be 5% like the speedo and odo... but you know what they say about assuming.

 

Steve

[tr3ntski]

It's actually closer to 5%, I was ballparking it. (e.g changes 3.55 to 3.77 or something like that).

 

I can go lock to lock on turns without any rubbing, and haven't hit anything big enough to cause any type of bottoming out of the coils.

 

The rear tire well has less room left around the tire than the front, they have lots of clearance up front. I forgot the cable to connect my camera --> pc today, so I'll upload pics tonight.