Hey guys, I own a 2005 Outback 2.5i, standard. I am currently working on upgrading it so that I can go off-roading with it. Don't worry, its insides are in good condition and I'm not worried about it for being a daily driver. So, I'm currently on the step where I add a lift and new boots to her. I want to do these at the same time just because it would be easier to do it all at once. I know what I want for a lift, but I am having trouble finding anything that I like regarding tires. I have stock rims right now, at 16 inches. Most tires I've been looking at are 17 or 15. Therefore, I've started looking at rims, but I don't know how to read their specs, and I've also heard that I don't want any rims that'll interfere with my brakes. So I guess what I'm asking is if any of you have a good off-road rim/tire parings that worked for your third gen. Thanks!

tricky sometimes downsizing rims due to brake caliper clearance. Discount Tire or TireRack should list anything in 15 that will work.

yeah, chances are a 15" wont fit over the brakes.. you can go bigger, but not usually smaller for the wheels..

pickup a used set of Subaru Steelies in the appropriate size.. around here they are about 25 bucks a wheel - ymmv

rubber, well, take a look at "light" truck tires, not passenger car.. better off-roading options there.

just as an example... https://www.mastercrafttires.com/tires/trucks-pickups/courser-mxt

and they list several in the 16" size

 

Edited December 6, 20214 yr by heartless

The fender (and liners) may limit your tire size. Your lift kit may help with this.

 Also the lower spring perch on the front struts will rub it you go too big. 

Check subaruoutback.org for  tire upgrade posts: https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/what-is-the-absolute-largest-tire-you-can-stuff-under-a-stock-3rd-gen.123706/

I use https://tiresize.com/comparison/ to compare upgrades.

Per Cars101.com your '05 i has 225/60 R16  tires. The front rotors are 11.5" dia. which will require a  min. of a 16" wheel. 16" should still have some good options.

 

Factory 15" wheels will not clear the factory brakes on that car. You can swap to the 276mm rotors and matching calipers. You can grind the calipers (I've done this twice). Or you can use a gravel-style aftermarket 15" wheel (Team Dynamic, Braid, Method, Sparco, etc. etc.).