Hi guys,

 

I've been thinking of doing a Outbackification of my 95 Legacy Outback wagon. For anyone who doesn't know, the 95 Outback was just a Legacy L AWD with a special trim package and some extras. It lacks the raised suspension of the later Outbacks. I know I can swap some Outback struts to gain some inches but what about the tires? According to http://www.cars101.com/subaru/tiresandwheels.html the 95 came with 195/60 R15 on 6.0jj alloy wheels. It says the 96-99 Outbacks came with 205/70 R15 tires on 6.0JJ alloy, offset 55 wheels. Now, my question is, will 205/70 R15s fit on my wheels? i'm assuming I'd have to go with the Outback struts for clearance reasons. Are there any wheel offset issues?

 

cheers,

 

Matt

I put WRX 205/55-16 stock wheels/tires on our MY95 Legacy L with NO clearance issues what-so-ever. I don't belive you would need to worry about clearance. I'd check the width of the stock wheels, I seem to remember that the stock Legacy wheels are 5.5 not 6, or something like that. It would fit the wheel but the sidewall would bow in creating more sidewall flex.

I put WRX 205/55-16 stock wheels/tires on our MY95 Legacy L with NO clearance issues what-so-ever.. I don't belive you would need to worry about clearance.

 

The 70 series would be taller, right? That's what I'm more worried about.

 

cheers,

 

matt

Yes, 26.29 in. for the 205/70/15 vs. 24.87 in. for the 205/55/16, approx. 1.25 TOTAL or .625 inches from the center of the wheel.

 

Info is according to

 

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

 

I think you'd be OK because I was worried more about the width than hight. The struts seemed close when I put them on, but I have plenty of clearance for the hieght.

Cool, thanks a lot.

Here's a '95 that's done some similar things to what you're describing:

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5593

 

I sold quazar the used springs from my '97 OB and I think they put in new OB struts or KYB GR2's. He mentions larger than stock tires as well, but I'm not sure which wheels those are... is that what your '95 wheels look like?

 

Steve

Those look like the same wheels I have. Great, thanks for the info. I was under the impression that the extra suspension height came from the Outback struts and I could use my stock springs. Is that true?

 

matt

Matt:

 

Well, I don't know the answer to that, but you may be correct. You might contact someone that has done what you're proposing to do (quazar or others) and ask them for verification.

 

Steve

Thanks guys, will do.

 

Matt