15" rims to suit 2003 4GEN Outback?

thevagrant · Post by **thevagrant** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:50 pm

Hi All.

I'm considering replacing my factory 16" rims and 215/60-16 tyres with 15" rims so I can fit 75 profile tyres and let the tyres down safely for sand running. I am reluctant to let low 60 profile tyres down.

There are posts here where 225/70-16 tyres etc are being used but when I measure the wheel arch the maximum overall diameter tyre that would fit appears to be around the 700mm mark. 225/70-16 diameter goes out to 720mm which looks very tight. The standard 215/60-16 diameter is 665mm.

So has anyone tried using 15" Forester/Outback rims on a 4GEN Outback or would a 2" lift kit lelp to allow greater diameter tyres?
Also can anyone confirm if the 2003 4GEN Outback a 5-100 stud pattern with 48 offset?

Thanks.

Vaughan.

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:23 pm

lift wont help with tire size. im not 100% sure but i think with 15 inch rims it may not fit with the brake calipler. maybe try 215/65r16 a slightly bugger profile if your worried about letting them down

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:45 pm

215/65/16 gives you a 10mm higher sidewall without changing wheels

Brumby Kid · Post by **Brumby Kid** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:52 pm

I thought a lift did allow a bigger tyre size.

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:36 pm

not unless the lift is big enough to get the center of wheel well below the guards. and also usually the struts get in the way

mithba · Post by **mithba** » Mon May 21, 2012 1:30 am

I've got a set of 4 subaru 15" alloys that I just took off my Impreza. Would be willing to swap with you for the 16's or $75 minor scratches and kurb rash.

[ATTACH]3329[/ATTACH]

current rubber is well and truly worn 195/60

-Mitch

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Mon May 21, 2012 9:27 am

My first concern with fitting smaller rims would be brake clearances. I would be trying/testing a rim on the front first and seeing (whilst off the ground) that the wheel actually spins freely.

Oh.. Hi and Welcome Vaughan

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Mon May 21, 2012 11:29 am

thevagrant wrote:Hi All.

I'm considering replacing my factory 16" rims and 215/60-16 tyres with 15" rims so I can fit 75 profile tyres and let the tyres down safely for sand running. I am reluctant to let low 60 profile tyres down.

There are posts here where 225/70-16 tyres etc are being used but when I measure the wheel arch the maximum overall diameter tyre that would fit appears to be around the 700mm mark. 225/70-16 diameter goes out to 720mm which looks very tight. The standard 215/60-16 diameter is 665mm.

So has anyone tried using 15" Forester/Outback rims on a 4GEN Outback or would a 2" lift kit lelp to allow greater diameter tyres?
Also can anyone confirm if the 2003 4GEN Outback a 5-100 stud pattern with 48 offset?

Thanks.

Vaughan.

I have a 3GEN Outback and have 215/70/16 tires, they fit alright however i can't go full lock without rubbing like crazy and all tires rub a little bit when bouncing around offroad.

15" rims could be an issue fitting with your breaks, i can fit them with probably 1mm between breaks and rim, id prefer 16" for peace of mind.

Contrart to popular belief, lift doesn't do squat to help fitting bigger tires, unless as thunder said you have enough lift for the center of the wheel to be below the bottom of your body.

mithba · Post by **mithba** » Mon May 21, 2012 4:20 pm

Just did a quick bit of googling, turns out you can't fit 15's on an outback apart from some rally wheels. Some people have ground down the top of the caliper to make some fit, although I wouldn't be game.

- Mitch

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Mon May 28, 2012 1:53 pm

i have a simular question, can you fit the first generation forester 15's onto a second generation forester??

i have a set of 15's with good tyres that are going to waste so i want to use them.

thevagrant · Post by **thevagrant** » Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:47 pm

Hi All.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Seems on the forums a few people have gone the 1" strut spacers or King springs for another ~1" lift or both, and then gone with 215/70/16 tyres. I saw a bloke today who had those tyres (Coopers) and King springs. He said he had some minor rubbing on the front turn apex but otherwise clear.
So that sounds like a good enough setup for me. Except I am going with the 1" Subtle Solutions strut-top spacers and keeping the standard springs for now. Granted 1" lift won't solve lateral rubbing on the guards but will offest the ~20mm radius gain in the tyres for vertical travel.

If the suspension geometry still looks good after the 1" strut spacers and wheel alignment check then I'll consider the King springs.
FYI have also fitted a SubaXtreme alloy sump guard which provides more peace of mind.

Also seen talk about VDO speedo correction. Anyone got one of these and how much they cost?

Vaughan.