The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

G'day,
Have read lots of posts about lift kits, larger tyres and all types of mods. Great reading and a wealth of info. But need to start at bottom. I have stock L series 4x4 wagon. Can I fit 14" rims with 185/70 tyres without lift kit? will they scrub? Should I lift first? (probably only go 2"). Is a 2" lift with 13" rims a bit daggy? Do i necessarily have to change springs and struts with this mod? Should I leave it stock? Cant afford to spend too much kanga. Car is sons and will spend a lot of time on blacktop with occasional camping and fishing trip (read soft road trips)!

Thanks.

hey,

14's fit real easy without a lift..i had the tiny tiny tinyest bit of scrubbing, nothing to worry about though...and they look real cool! Yes a lifted car looks real crappy with 13's..

my car with 14's...like 2 days after i got it. Before i turned it into the beast it is today



alex

Any lift with 13s will look odd.
No you don't need to upgrade your suspension but it does help.
Only leave it stock if it's a temp vehicle... if you have love for it, then mod it.

Im not sure about the tyre size with no lift though... sounds like it wont scrub to me.

Dave

My L series have always scrubbed MORE once the lift kit was added. The part of the car which scrubs against the tyre is brought in line with the centre line of the tyre. Just need a little trimming however and everything is okay.

Its always a catch 22. Obvioisly unlifted and 13's will get you some places 14" with 2" lift will get you more. Once you consider modding it going to cost you, have a serious look at what your going to be using the car for and the reason for the modification. My sence is that on an unlifted Subaru 14 may scrub however this scrubing will be more off road then on and only minimal (depending on the condition of the struts/springs). Also note that in most state only 2" kits are legal - boaring but legal.

You will not need to replace the struts/springs if you lift (unless of course they are dying and then you have had to replace them anyway).


Good luck and i hope he enjoys it.

It will all come down to offset (wheels) and aspect ratio or profile (tyres).
I had Simmons 15s with 205/50/15 and 195/55/15 on an unlifted RX with no scrubbing. In fact you could go 16s or 17s with lower profile tyres and correct offset that will also give no scrubbing - but we're starting to talk big $ and limited off road compatability.