Lifted Liberty Tyre Options and Legal Implications

__JC__ · Post by **__JC__** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:55 am

Just trying to choose a new set of tyres for my 16" Forester rims...

Now it seems that a few of the Forester guys are running 215/70/16's without any real dramas. Is there any reason that I couldnt get away with this size on the Liberty? I wouldn't mind this size it'll give a little extra height and a few more AT tyre choices.

The other option would be the Yokohama AT/S in 215/65/16 or the Bridgestone D693 in the same size.

Last concern - the legal implications. Jumping from the standard 195/60/15 to 215/70/16 is a pretty big leap. I guess it's another reason to start with an Outback in the first place.

Tire Size Comparison

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/km Difference

195/60-15 117mm 308mm 615mm 1932mm 518 0.0%
215/60-16 129mm 332mm 664mm 2087mm 479 8.0%
215/70-16 150mm 354mm 707mm 2222mm 450 15.0%
215/65-16 140mm 343mm 686mm 2155mm 464 11.5%

__JC__ · Post by **__JC__** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:09 am

After chatting with QLD transport....

Apparently you can only jump 15mm in overall rolling diameter based on the tyre placard (195/60/15) for the Lib.

That makes the 16's illegal altogether....

daza · Post by **daza** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:21 am

The 215/70/16 is slightly larger than the 215/75/15 Yarney and I run (27.9" v 27.7")
Yarney has scrubbing on full lock that he's not completely happy about, but that's with Lib offset wheels.
It MAY be alright on the Forester rims?
The 215/65/16 is 27.0" and should be a safe size, but I've not actully seen them on a Lib so no Guarantees.
Daza.

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 11:53 am

215/65R16 is a great size for a lifted lib.

Pirelil Scorpion AT
Bridgestone D693

Both come in this size.

16's are not illegal all together - the limit is on your overall diameter, not rim size.

__JC__ · Post by **__JC__** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:40 pm

Thanks fellas.

Yeah that was just my dodgy wording Dane. With the QLD rules in mind the only way a 16" would be legal on my Liberty would be if I ran a 215/50/16 tyre...

It's not the poo or Q Trans that concern me, it's the insurance...

Will probably just drive carefully and go with the 215/65's. Now to find a decent price!

Post by **Captain Obvious** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 4:12 pm

i am on my second set of bridgestone d693, cant fault them other than the price!!!, a new member of the suba club has Nexen mud and snows in 215/65/16 that dont look like a bad tyre and he only paid $135 each for them!!! javascript:selectTire(21,'04FAC7FB3DDF22601ED8DD2AF3712F49.jpg');

Post by **Captain Obvious** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 4:27 pm

i am on my second set of bridgestone d693, cant fault them other than the price!!!, a new member of the suba club has Nexen mud and snows in 215/65/16 that dont look like a bad tyre and he only paid $135 each for them!!! they are called WinGuard231 and come in 215/65/16 and dont look like a bad AT.

Brad_Stacey · Post by **Brad_Stacey** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 4:39 pm

I went with the Dunlop AT2's a few years back in 215/65/16 as only had a forester struts and spring lift. As these tires tapered in a lot and gave minimal rubbing on full lock. They have been replaced by AT3's so not sure about them.

I bought some bridgestone d693 in the same size recently but found too much body rub. Currently they are in storage until I install a 2" lift kit.