My hubby scored free studded snow tires (used Sears tires, but in very good condition) - they are a size 215/70 R 15 - will they work for my '97 OBW?

What are the stock sized tires?

 

Those seem a little big, and you may have some rubbing issues.

It's pouring rain outside, or I'd go check, LOL. I THINK original is 205/70R15 ? So, these are a bit wider, right?

I have run the 225-60-16's, wheels and tires on a 97 outback with no ill effects. I think the tires are a little taller resulting in "higher gearing" and slower acceleration but better gas mileage.

It's pouring rain outside, or I'd go check, LOL. I THINK original is 205/70R15 ? So, these are a bit wider, right?

 

A bit wider, and a hair taller.

 

Should fit though. Might rub a tad against the front mudflaps when turning

*****the place you need to check is in the rear wheels where the strut perch comes really close to even the factory sized tire.....*****

Stock size is 205/75. Link shows the two sizes are almost identical.

 

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?action=submit

Stock size is 205/75. Link shows the two sizes are almost identical.

 

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?action=submit

 

i disagree, the difference is 0.55 inches in diameter, over 1/2 inch, that's more than 1/4 inch in radius. in my opinion, that is a lot. they may well fit, and if you have the tires for free, it may not cost too much to try them. maybe mount one and try it for a day on both the front and rear before you do all 4. i know that an odd size tire is a no-no, but for a few miles it shouldn't kill anything. (put in the fuse if it is an auto trans.)

 

for a normal car owner, risking the price of the tires, 300$ - 400$ and the price of mounting them, 40$ - 80$ for just a 1/4 inch of lift is not practical. you could spend close to 500$ and be stuck with tires that rub. the tire shop won't take them back after you've driven on them.

Edited December 22, 200916 yr by johnceggleston

Hey on my 96obw I am currently running a Kumho Solus KR21 tire in a slightly larger 215/75/r15 size.(new last month) I have no clearance issues and the rear spring perch is the tightest spot but I can fit my fingertips between(3/8 to 1/2 inch). I had a pair of the 215/75's on the rear only before I put the new tires on all the way around and there was no abnormal wear on the tread or any wear/rubmarks on the sidewall to idicate interference when they were removed. They do certainly fill the wheel wells a little more and I could no longer fit my foot in to use the tire as a step when loading and unloading the roof racks.

 

Long story short: Run them without worries.

*****the place you need to check is in the rear wheels where the strut perch comes really close to even the factory sized tire.....*****

 

96-99 outbacks rear struts can clear a 235/75/15. Strictly speaking of the spring perch to tire clearance. *need lift for body to clear tires that large.

thanks all for your input, I am going to go ahead and have them installed.

Hey i know this is an old thread but was wondering if it worked out or not.. i'm going to have mine put on very soon.. hope to not find out the hard way.

 

thanks

yes, they worked fine - and those freebies lasted the season last year, and I purchased new one's the same size for this year. You will like the larger size - and it makes the car seem like it's geared a tad bit better too. My son has the car now at college in Idaho. They have had no rubbing issues - and I got new summer tires the same size last spring because I liked the size.

Edited February 28, 201115 yr by bkvail

Great thanks! I'm gonna get mine done tomorrow!

For anybody else that comes across this and reads it, I can confirm (that's 2 confirmed cases now) that these tires are fine. I got a lot more ground clearance, and it does seem to be geared better. I was a little worried because mine were new, but no rubbing issues whatsoever. Anybody that's wanting new tires for their OBW, i'd say go ahead with this size, GREAT investment!

This info very helpful, that you can upgrade OBW with OEM tire size 205X70X15 to the little larger size of 215X70X15 with no rubbing or clearance issues. THANKS, GREAT TO KNOW! USMB IS THE GREATEST!

I finally pulled the trigger, and today bought 4 each 215/70 r 15 tires for my 99 OBW. Specifically, I bought the Yokohama Avid TRZ tires. I just wanted to report back to the forum that they fit just great, no rubs anywhere, and drive great. Car appears to be lifted bout an inch higher, compared to stock tires that were 205/70 r 15. I would recommend this upgrade to anyone buying tires. The additional cost of a few bucks more seems worth it to me.

215/70r16's will also fit with stock WRX wheels and outback struts.

215/70r16's will also fit with stock WRX wheels and outback struts.

 

I bet that is a nice look with the WRX wheels!