I have a 98 Legacy L wagon and would like to upsize to 16" wheels. The current tire wheel combo is 205/70 R15 and the wheels I have been gifted (with basically new snow tires!) are 215/60 R16. Is there anything I need to look out for?  If they look like they have clearance do I just go for it?

Thanks,

Todd

I have a 98 Legacy L wagon and would like to upsize to 16" wheels. The current tire wheel combo is 205/70 R15 and the wheels I have been gifted (with basically new snow tires!) are 215/60 R16. Is there anything I need to look out for?  If they look like they have clearance do I just go for it?

Thanks,

Todd

 

https://tiresize.com/comparison/ not a lot of difference. do you have the rims? Back spacing will be the key 

Edited January 9, 20179 yr by ironworkerboomer

I am running 215 X 70 X 15 on my 99 OBW, which is the same body style as yours. I don't think you will have any problems with tire clearance, my concern is whether the 16" wheels will fit over the disc brake caliper?? 

Er....the L is not the OutBack. Different struts and room under the 'spring perch', AFAIK. You're on Stock '98 L suspension???

 

But the 215-60-16 and  the  205-70-15 (stock OB size) are the same height (diameter) but 10mm wider  overall (205 vs. 215).

 

As stated the OFFSET of the 16" wheels you get may be the deciding factor. 

 

IF the tires are already ON WHEELS then just bolt up the rears to see if they rub....my experience is the rears have LESS room than the fronts, so the fronts should fit if the rears do (225-60R-16 on '00 OB wheels would fit on the front, but not the back  w/my '97 OB struts).

 

Td

Edited January 9, 20179 yr by wtdash

If they are Subaru wheels, the offset will be ok, but they may rub on the perch.

Do as wtdash says and try the rear wheels.

I am suprised that you didn't get rubbing with the 205/70 on the legacy.

Are they on std struts?

 

O.

I've got 205/70R15s on my '99 Legacy L wagon and they are really close to the strut towers but they do clear.  I'd be hesitant to try the 215s