Tyres & Rims 2004 subaru forester XT

ImBenDood

Forum Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
7
Location
San Antonio, TX
Car: 2004 subaru forester XT

Hey I am about to order rims and tires and I am just looking for some clarification first! (I'm completely dumb when it comes to rims and tire sizes)

I am looking at getting Team Dynamics Pro Rally 15" rims what offset and size (15x6 or 15x7?) do I need to get?

Also I am confused about which tire size I need to get (for general grabber AT2 tires) in order to fit on a stock suspension and have NO rubbing or issues at all. So far, in this forum I've seen:
215/75/R15
215/70/R15
225/70/R15
205/65/R15
205/75/R15

So you can see why I'm confused with all these different sizes >.<

I just want to order the right thing one and the first time.
 
Hi Ben. Google tire size calculator and select pretty much any of them. But in your current tyre size and then select compare. Enter the size of the new tyres youre looking at and hey presto.

I don't recommend going too far over stock diameter as your gear ratios will all be thrown out, especially with the single range manual if you have it.

If you're going with the 215 I'd probably go up to 7" definnately for the 225.

A 4lb pig skin hammer will take care of any rubbing issues.

Don't forget your spare has to match in diameter exactly to the other wheels and it is hard to fit a bigger spare in the spare wheel well. The afore mentioned hammer is your friend here too.
 
G'day ImBenDood & :welcome: to ORS.
Where abouts are you located ? Filling in your location in your profile is also a good idea. It helps us to help you better, if we know where you're from :)

Another thing to consider too, is if you're dropping down a rim size to 15" (I'm guessing from 16") just make sure that the rims fit over the brake calipers :iconwink:
I know some brands do, but there are also some that don't.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Thanks for the responses, yes going from a 16" to a 15" they say the rims will fit over WRX brakes and 4POTS

I'll try searching for a site here in a minute also my car is an auto! I don't want to put any more stress on the transmission and components, so with that said is there anything I should look out for or not get?
 
Alright according to the tire calculator it shows that the 205/65/R15 is the best size with a 2.53 diameter difference (under the maximum 3% difference recommendation) sound right/good? Also should I go with te 15x6 or 15x7 rims? What exactly does this change?
 
Width of rim.

On the skinnier side you will get rim protection from your tyre but poorer handling. wider rims for the same size tyre will handle better but be more vulnerable to damage and may be more difficult to reseat the tire on the bead if they come off.

Your car comes with 215/60R16 on 6.5" rims I think so going to a 205 and a 6" rim is probably a bit of a backwards step. (although the only legal option perhaps)

I'd be tempted to fit 215/65 to a 15/7 rim. This might however void your insurance so this is a choice only you can make.
 
stilson said:
Width of rim.

On the skinnier side you will get rim protection from your tyre but poorer handling. wider rims for the same size tyre will handle better but be more vulnerable to damage and may be more difficult to reseat the tire on the bead if they come off.

Your car comes with 215/60R16 on 6.5" rims I think so going to a 205 and a 6" rim is probably a bit of a backwards step. (although the only legal option perhaps)

I'd be tempted to fit 215/65 to a 15/7 rim. This might however void your insurance so this is a choice only you can make.
Click to expand...

Yea, I realized after I posted that it's not what I need/want. I am now looking at a 225/70R/15 on a 15x7 rim... What offset do I need for the rim? As far as the insurance goes is this a normal thing (voiding the insurance!?) or is that a UK thing? I only seem to find people talking about that from the UK.
 
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Normal, but that doesn't make it any better.

Don't forget to update the thread with a pic and a review of the new tyres. :discomonkey:
 
ImBenDood said:
As far as the insurance goes is this a normal thing (voiding the insurance!?) or is that a UK thing? I only seem to find people talking about that from the UK.
Click to expand...

Sorry mate I didn't realise you're a yank. You guys seem to be able to do pretty much anything to your cars with impunity so I imagine you'd be fine. Best to check with your insurer and local road traffic authority though.
 
Definitely check with your insurance first, but if you can 225/70/15 on 15/7 rims would be good.

Double check the rims fit over your calipers BEFORE you do anything...a trial fit at the shop would be a good idea... :iconwink:
 
Eliminating rubbing:

54922077.jpg


Pretty neat job even if I do say so myself.
 
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