Need help regarding tires

phrostbyte

Forum Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2010
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11
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
So last night I discovered how much of an idiot I really am. I bought a set of BFG AT 215/70/16 without bothering to do any research. The fronts fit with no issues. I drove up on to one ramp to check for any rubbing. Everything was perfect. Then I put the rears on and there was major rubbing on the struts.

Is there anything I can do to fit the tires? If I were to buy KYB struts with King Springs, would I be able to fit the tires? Hopefully these tires won't go to waste.


Additional info - Stock suspension, 16'' WRX Rims 55mm offset, 2001 Forester L

I'm almost too ashamed to ask for help, but I don't want these tires to just sit in the shed. Thanks in advance for any help.

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Unfortunately your kinda screwed.
That size is just a little to big to fit with SF struts BUT they might fit if you put a set of SG struts on.
Those tires are 27.85" in diameter,mine (225/70 15) are 27.4" and just fit with maybe .200 or so on the radius to spare. (with 08 struts)
I had my tires with 01 struts and then put the 08 struts on when and when I did I gained a little room between the tire and the spring perch.
 
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Well that is a shame. I should have done my research.

Do the KYB struts give more clearance than the SG struts? Or are they about the same? And also, if I were to buy SG struts, do I need SG tophats? Sorry for all of the questions.
 
Thanks for the tip Eden. I discussed using spacers with a friend of mine. I heard they can cause problems on the wheel bearings. Is this true?

I'm really considering picking up a pair of spacers. I didn't take measurements, but it just barely rubbed the strut in the rears. I imagine a spacer would fix this. I'm just worried about any problems it would cause down the road.
 
phrostbyte said:
I heard they can cause problems on the wheel bearings.
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to be honest i dont know. i haven't heard that and dont see how they could over a few millimeters. you'd only need 10mm max i reckon. someone else might have some better info on this one. also do a google search and read up on other peoples experiences. let us know.
 
Spacers might be the answer. Can you return the tyres?

I had to swap to 15" wheels to run BFGs; there are some 15s that fit over the brake calipers, but I didn't know that at the time so I ground back the outside of the front caliper bodies about 1/4". I was running after-market KYB struts at the time.
 
eden said:
to be honest i dont know. i haven't heard that and dont see how they could over a few millimeters. you'd only need 10mm max i reckon. someone else might have some better info on this one. also do a google search and read up on other peoples experiences. let us know.
Click to expand...

I think I'll end up buying some spacers. They are really cheap, and could be a quick and easy solution. I'll do some research and let you guys know what I find.

I may as well try the spacers out for the price.

Kevin said:
Spacers might be the answer. Can you return the tyres?

I had to swap to 15" wheels to run BFGs; there are some 15s that fit over the brake calipers, but I didn't know that at the time so I ground back the outside of the front caliper bodies about 1/4". I was running after-market KYB struts at the time.
Click to expand...


I don't think returning the tires is an option at this point unfortunately. The 215/70/16s were on clearance on tirerack.com. The 215/75/15s were a lot more expensive since they were not on sale. And besides that, I would have to pay $160 to ship them back.

I'll give the spacers a try. If that doesn't work, I might have to sell the tires locally. Thanks for the help so far.
 
Spacers will help, but its not good for the bearings because it causes more stress because the tyres are going outer more instead of being inner- like this---> /-\

But you will come into another problem.. you will have to roll the guards because the tyres will pluck the guards like this photo below...
IMG_0241.jpg


These model Foresters are suppose to have 215/65 16", or you could have gone to 205/70 16" you wont have a problem...

Cheers
AP
 
eden said:
yeah let us know. im interested myself as my next tyres will be the same size as yours. BTW they look awesome;):lildevil::monkeydance:
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Thanks. I'm thinking about painting the wheels black, but I'm not sure how well the paint will hold up to the offroad abuse.

AlpineRaven said:
Spacers will help, but its not good for the bearings because it causes more stress because the tyres are going outer more instead of being inner- like this---> /-\

But you will come into another problem.. you will have to roll the guards because the tyres will pluck the guards like this photo below...


These model Foresters are suppose to have 215/65 16", or you could have gone to 205/70 16" you wont have a problem...

Cheers
AP
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info AP. I ordered a set of 9mm spacers just to test. The stock offset is +48mm on my foz, and the WRX rims that I'm running put me at +55mm. So with the 9mm spacers, that will put me at +46mm. I'm hoping that should give it enough clearance without casuing too much stress to the wheel bearings. Also at +46mm I don't think I'll have to roll the fenders.

I guess all I can do is wait for the spacers to be delivered and see if they work. I'll keep you guys updated.
 
Just an update. The 9mm wheel spacers did not give enough clearance for the tires to fit. I tried stacking the spacers for an 18mm spacer, but it made the stud too long and I could not screw on the lugnut. So now I guess I have to look for some used SG struts.

I was also told by someone to try camber bolts. Any thoughts on this?
 
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