Tires:

Stevie69

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2014
Messages
12
Location
St. Louis Missouri
Car Year
2005
Car Model
Forester
Transmission
Auto
Recently bought a 05 forester xs, love it but would like some better "all terrane" tires, I'm haveing a hard time finding AT tires of the size 225/60/16 for the stock wheels and suspension, I am thinking about a lift latter down the road as well, any suggestions?
 
Not much around in 225/60r16. There is 235/60r16 or 215/65R16. Look at general grabbers, Bridgeston duelers, Yokohama Geolander AT-S or any Kuhmo or Maxxis tyres is half decent.
You won't be able to get BFG's in that size unfortunately.
 
235s will fit? And as for a lift, does 1" make a difference off road? Now I have an off topic question, interior lighting is not that great in it, could ther possably be some Bernt out bulbs in it that I'm unaware of? Thanks
 
If I were you, I would choose the 215x65 16 over the 235 section tyres. not least for the reasons that my insurer "suggested" to me - far less likely to aquaplane under heavy braking.

Here in Oz, my comprehensive insurer will void my cover if I fit 225x60 16", but not if I fit 215x65 16" ...
 
I did a 1"lift to mine. Made a huge difference off road. It meant the difference from being able to follow other cars tracks on the beach and saved a lot of scraping on our rocky Powerlines track.

As for tyres, I am waying up between 225/60/16's and 235/60/16's for my next tyres. Others don't seem to think 235/60/16 will fit, but I don't know anyone who's tried.

IMO tyre model will make a much larger difference to aquaplaning then an extra 2cm of tyre width, but tyre width will make a difference, and it's important you don't void your insurance cover.
 
Gidday mate,
I have fitted raised King springs, KYB struts and a one inch Gorilla lift kit. This gives me over 2 inches of lift. For off road I run 215/65/16 Yokohama ATS which are about 9 mm taller than the standard 215/60/16 tyres.
This set up gives me heaps of clearance and in fact more than most 4x4's in standard set up. Hence I have now got heaps of confidence off road as I am not worried about hitting things.
Just remember if you fit raised springs you will need to replace the self levelling struts on the rear.
Cheers
 
Self leveling struts? Wow I diddent know they had those? Also I saw on "primitive racing" they have this 3/4" front and 1" rear combo kit for about 210$, what is the most affordable option for me to get enough clearance for 215/70/16 BFG ATs? Thanks agin!
 
Havachat- if you don't mind me asking, about how much did it caust you to achieve the 2"s of lift?
 
Lift kit or not they will still partially rub only on full lock, well at least mine still does.

SG XT rims on 2" lift kit with 215/70r/16 Wildpeak AT's
 
1" lift front rear $115
https://www.gorillaoffroadcompany.com/product-detail.cfm/prd_key/52

Stilson fit 225/70R16 with no lift. But there was a little rubbing on full lock.

If you lift it because you're worried about room, make sure you get trailing arm spacers, other wise the wheel will move forwards in the arch and you'll get less room.

And nice to know the 235/60/16's fit:)
 
Gidday Stevie,
The Gorilla lift kit is $115 US. It is very cost effective. I have given my lift a hell of a beating in the desert and the high country around home and can recommend it highly. In the US I think you get free postage. Derek from Gorilla Off-road is most helpful. I actually bought two of the lift kits.
In regard to the rear struts on the XS if you have still got the self levelling struts fitted these are easily identified by the additional "canister" on the strut. Self levelling works differently where the strut take the weight of the vehicle not the spring. If you go onto the KYB web you will get the correctly specified strut for your vehicle to replace the self levelling strut.
I have two XS Foresters and prefer the ride and handling of the raised one compared to the one with the standard self levelling set up that now feels "soft" by comparison.
Trust this helps.
Cheers
 
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