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Strut swap + tire size questions

Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 6:47 am
by lucid_door
So I got some 15" 5 spokes for my 90 AWD Legacy off a 95, and since my struts are all shot I was hoping to install something a little taller to clear some bigger tires.
I have been reading around and I am fairly certain from what I've read that I can put a loaded strut off a 97 Outback directly in the front, and same for the rear except I take off the Outback strut top and put my old strut top on to make it bolt directly in. Does that all sound correct?
And from everyone's past experience, how big can I get with the tires before I start hitting things? The stock steels came with 185/70/14's; I was hoping I could go to some 205/75/15's so I could get more aggressive with the tread. Any recommendations on how big I can go with Outback struts installed?

Re: Strut swap + tire size questions

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 6:23 pm
by macipusy
Your speedometer will be inaccurate once you do that.

The thing to look out for is hitting the inside of the wheelwell when the steering is pinned to either side.

If you go with outback strife, you probably won't be able to run a much bigger tire then the stock outback size...you might get away with one size larger.

Re: Strut swap + tire size questions

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 2:50 am
by lucid_door
Well I mounted up my wheels and tires, ended up going with some 205/65/15's. I am still using the stock struts (one thing at a time eh $$$$) and I actually have the tiniest, tiniest rub on the drivers rear where the side of the tread is ever so gently brushing the undercoat on the strut. I am guessing once I get the Outback struts in I should have piles of room there. Looks hot with those shiny wheels, sits a bit taller even, can't wait to finish the job :)