Forester 2003 XS: Lift and larger wheels advice

gearu

Forum Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
5
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Car Year
2003
Car Model
Forester XS
Transmission
Manual 5 speed
I have a 2003 XS Forester.

I'm currently looking to get new tyres - moving from stock 215/60R16 tyres to Bridgestone Dueler D697 215/65R16 tyres.

I am investigating the benefits of a lift - and wondered before I buy these tyres - if I had a lift as well, if this would mean that bigger tyres would fit?

i.e. if I installed a 1 inch lift would 225/70R16 tyres fit? I understand the overall change would still be below the 50mm legal allowance if I did this?

Or best to stick with the 215/65R16 size for my type of Forester?

Anybody changed a 2003 XS forester that has first hand experience?
 
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Thanks Kevin. Is there a recommended approach for doing a lift? my objective would be about getting better clearance. Trying to balance the benefit of taller tyres (lifting the diff) against lifting the frame/body.
 
Not much choice as it comes down to taller tyres (you've made a good choice!), taller springs or strut blocks, or all of them in combination. I'd go for the tyres and strut blocks; leave the springs as is to maintain ride quality and see if you're happy with it.
 
Being independent suspension, a lift (whether it's taller springs or spacers) will lift the diff, unlike lifting a 4wd with solid axles. So doesn't matter if you lift or get larger tyres, they will both give better diff clearance. The right lift vs tyre combination comes down to what you use the vehicle for. 215/65r16 and a 2 inch lift is a fairly common combination.
 
seems that there are 3 tyre choices in the 65 size: Geolander ATs, Bridgestone D697 or the BFG ko2's.

From my research, in the order listed above they go from more 'road friendly' to more 'off-road' friendly. I'm leaning towards the D697s because they seem to be a good mix - as I still have to do a lot of on road driving - and seems BFG's aren't great when it gets wet.
 
^ a good assessment. I have the BGF KO2 muddies on my Triton and they are fine in the wet (using common-sense of course)- but the older BFG ATs on the Foz can be a bit slippery - perhaps the KO2 version of the AT will have better wet performance.
 
Just to throw a spanner in the works lol, 215/70/16 will also fit for a little bigger tyre. These are the same diameter as 215/75/15 which I have using SG struts on my SF Foz. They will give you about a 3/4" lift.

You have a few choices for a strut lift, either 1" lift kit (simple, cheap & effective) or 2" lift kit (more comprehensive, bigger lift with the bonus of camber & caster offset. Includes rear trailing arm spacers)

Both lifts are fine on the CVs, you can lift up to 2.5" front, more rear & keep good reliability :)
 
To be clear - the 215/70R16 will only fit if I mod the struts though? As far as I understand it - the 65 is the biggest that will fit without needing to make other mods right?

Also, by my understanding 215/70R16 wheels would throw my speedo out by enough to make it illegal, and as far as I'm aware it's not easy (or possible?) to get the speedo corrected?
 
gearu said:
Also, by my understanding 215/70R16 wheels would throw my speedo out by enough to make it illegal, and as far as I'm aware it's not easy (or possible?) to get the speedo corrected?
Click to expand...

Jaycar sell an electronic speedo correction device for about $50 ... :poke:.

It can be calibrated to effect any desired correction at a specific speed. Electronic speedos can vary in accuracy dependent on speed.

Also consider the effect that larger, heavier wheels/tyres will have on acceleration. Our SH 17" alloys with 225/55 tyres weigh about 4 Kgs each more than those on our SG (215/60 16). This also increases the unsprung mass, changing both ride and handling characteristics.
 
I hadn't thought of chains, not sure if they will fit with 215/70/16. That size will comfortably fit with no mods to the struts.
The speedo will read slightly under by about 4% instead of the typical 4% over with stock tyres. As Ateday said, 215/65/16 should read about spot on
 
If you are looking for ATs in 215/65R16 you also have the General Grabber AT and the newish Michelin Latitude Cross ATs for which I am looking forward to hearing some reviews about.

It'd be kinda nice to compile all the info into a table about brand, model, load rating, speed rating, sidewall ply, km expectancy and anything else relevant....if anyone wants to.

From what I've heard, the BFGs are the toughest and least likely to fail you in the desert, so whatever ply they are running is what I will be looking for in a cheaper alternative. (BFGs are over $300 a pop so $2000 for 6 of 'em is dirt road robbery).
 
BFGs are LT (light truck) construction, so much tougher but the flip side is don't grip as well onroad, are noisier & bad for fuel economy. Having said that, I really like the KO2. If you search around I think you can get them under $300ea, to clear stocks the KO was going for ~$160ea!!
 
Coincidentally, I am beating myself up over tyres as well.....

Damn, it would've been nice to get some KO2s for $160ea.

My local fitter has the following ATs in 215/65R16:
BFG KO2: $245
D697: $225
Latitude Cross: $222
Maxxis AT-771: $209
Energy XM2: $195 (not an AT but I've run them for 9 years and are indestructible)
Grabber AT: $186 - is this a bargain?

For $186 the Grabbers sound good....from memory these have good reviews don't they?

Otherwise the Maxxis 771s might be a pretty awesome buy.

Ok, I really need to stop procrastinating....
 
To throw some more options into the mix at that size:

Tempe tyres has
Yoko G012's for $185
KO2's at 'call for price'


Plus a couple of light truck options.

Worth checking them out -- they always have good prices on a random selection of tyres and provide fast no-fuss service.
 
Tweaksta said:
Coincidentally, I am beating myself up over tyres as well.....

Damn, it would've been nice to get some KO2s for $160ea.

My local fitter has the following ATs in 215/65R16:
BFG KO2: $245
D697: $225
Latitude Cross: $222
Maxxis AT-771: $209
Energy XM2: $195 (not an AT but I've run them for 9 years and are indestructible)
Grabber AT: $186 - is this a bargain?

For $186 the Grabbers sound good....from memory these have good reviews don't they?


Otherwise the Maxxis 771s might be a pretty awesome buy.

Ok, I really need to stop procrastinating....
Click to expand...

Coming from the BF AT's I now have the Grabber AT's and really love them. Will buy them again.
 
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