XS vs Xt Suspension

Paulo

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2008
Messages
14
Location
Gold Coast, AUS
Hi all,

I'm looking to put new wheels on my 07 forester. Just wanted to know if there are any differences in height (e.g spring height) between XS and XT foresters?

Is the XT lower?

Cheers,

Paul
 
Gidday Paul

Paulo said:
Hi all,

I'm looking to put new wheels on my 07 forester. Just wanted to know if there are any differences in height (e.g spring height) between XS and XT foresters?

Is the XT lower?

Cheers,

Paul
Click to expand...

I doubt it.

With the 2012 models, the 2.5L N/A is 220 mm; Turbo is 225 mm and the diesel/2.0L N/A is 215 mm.

It seems that for the SF and SG Foresters there wasn't even this minimal difference.

Which car do you have, with which rims?

Any particular reason for changing them?

If you currently have steel rims, you may be able to buy a complete set of alloys from a wrecker (don't forget the spare! steelies weigh about 2.5 kgs more than the alloys for a bare rim). I bought a spotless s/h alloy spare rim for my MY06 Fox for $190 (bare).

The steel rims are a real mud trap that can throw your wheels seriously out of balance until cleaned. The alloys are self-cleaning, with no mud traps.

If you want to go for higher profile tyres, you need to drop your rim size to 15"; then you can legally (and insurance wise) fit 205x70 15" tyres.

The tyre size calculator here is your friend ... :)
 
Thanks Ratbag.

I have a MY07 XS Lux, looks very similar to yours (in your avatar) and has the same rims. I just really don't like style of the rims so I am looking at changing to the XT 17's from the same year as I really like the look of the stock XT.

My only concern was if the suspension on the XS was higher it may have the lifted look on big rims which I don't like. I'm probably a bit different to most guys on here who would prefer 15's or 16's with a bigger profile for offroad but as I only really drive my car on the beach it isn't too much of a concern for me. It does a great job on the sand and im sure a change to 17's wont change it too much.
 
G'day again Paul

Paulo said:
Thanks Ratbag.

I have a MY07 XS Lux, looks very similar to yours (in your avatar) and has the same rims. I just really don't like style of the rims so I am looking at changing to the XT 17's from the same year as I really like the look of the stock XT.

My only concern was if the suspension on the XS was higher it may have the lifted look on big rims which I don't like. I'm probably a bit different to most guys on here who would prefer 15's or 16's with a bigger profile for offroad but as I only really drive my car on the beach it isn't too much of a concern for me. It does a great job on the sand and im sure a change to 17's wont change it too much.
Click to expand...

If I were you, I would check out just how flaming expensive 17" rubber is compared with 16" ...

You may also find that the 17" tyres are less comfortable than the 16".

SWMBO's Fox has 225x55 17 vs mine with 215x60 16. Her suspension is different (has to be, as 0.8" more ground clearance), but is slightly more bouncy on the speed humps on Latrobe Terrace. These are my 'test' touchstone for this sort of thing, as I drive along the road a lot, so very familiar with it. I also think that her model (SH) is designed to be more comfortable and spacious than the SGs. It is.

However, it is also more 'sharp' over those speed humps ...
 
Paulo said:
I'm probably a bit different to most guys on here who would prefer 15's or 16's with a bigger profile for offroad but as I only really drive my car on the beach it isn't too much of a concern for me. It does a great job on the sand and im sure a change to 17's wont change it too much.
Click to expand...
The only thing I would consider is that with the 17's (as apposed to 16's) is that you'll have to be a bit more careful with the sand driving. Mainly due to not being able to air down as much with them, compared to the 16's :iconwink:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Thanks for the help guys.

Mr turbo - i have considered this, but not too concerned. Most times im on the beach at low tide so you barely need to let down your tyres besides entry/exit points.

If anyone is looking to sell their XT 17's let me know, i may even be able to work out a swap for the 16's if someone is looking to drop down an inch.
 
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