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Subaru Outback/Legacy Tires and Wheels

124 messages,  Last post on Feb 23, 2012 at 5:42 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Tires, Wheels, Wagon

Messages Page 4 of 14

#23 of 124 Re: 2003 Legacy - do I need high performance [ddunbar] by cptplt

Aug 15, 2007 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: ddunbar (Aug 14, 2007 10:48 am)
On a Windstar (which may eat up tires more than a Subaru because of its weight) I have put on almost 40K in all year driving with WRs and 2 tires were down to the 4mm tread markings, the other 2 still show the 6mm marks (they have "engraved" into the tread the depth in mm -4,6,8).
On my Legacy with the NRW (WRs predecessor) as a winter only tire I have put on 5 seasons and they are only half worn. probably about 30-35k miles on them (at least 6/32in tread still left) .
On a Tribeca with WRs all year round with 26K they still show all the 6mm marks and you can just about make out some 8s.
I have a small RV with 22K miles with a truck Nokian and they have over half tread left.

#24 of 124 Re: Tire choice [paisan] by conger14

Sep 14, 2007 (12:56 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Aug 08, 2007 8:32 pm)
how did you find this tire and what made you decide to buy it? Also, why do you think its the best tire out there?
 
I'm looking to replace OEM for 05 legacy gt wagon and I live in Northern NY in the Adirdonack Mtns where not only does it snow a lot, but often sub zero temps for days on end. I need a tire that can handle the snow and I previously had continental contacts extreme on my 04 wrx. Great tires for the snow but I dont have that car anymore and based on tirerack, I could do better. Please, let me know your thoughts. I drive spirited sometimes but most of the time with two kids and my wife, things are more reserved.

#25 of 124 Re: Tires [shrinermonkey] by nelgigenflugen

Sep 14, 2007 (1:48 pm)

Replying to: shrinermonkey (Aug 02, 2007 6:26 am)
I can do that.

#26 of 124 Re: tires [cptplt] by nelgigenflugen

Sep 14, 2007 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: cptplt (Aug 10, 2007 8:25 am)
Thanks all for the input. I ended up getting Yoko Avid TRZ and I love them and its like riding on air. I cannot believe the rough ride I had with the Firestone Wilderness Tire. Can't believe Subaru would put such a tire on a car..."what were they thinking?"

#27 of 124 Re: Tire choice [conger14] by snowbelter

Sep 14, 2007 (3:38 pm)

Replying to: conger14 (Sep 14, 2007 12:56 pm)
Think about the Nokian WR. Its an all-season tire, but also rated as a snow tire. My wife has them on her Outback and zips through heavy snow and ice. (We're in CNY). Had them on my Outback which I traded in. We run them year round. Downside is the price (around $170 mounted an balanced per tire) and the wear (around 35-45K). The tires that came on my 07 Outback are terrible in the snow, and I'm thinking of getting a set of Nokians for my current Outback.

#28 of 124 Re: Tire choice [snowbelter] by paisan

Sep 14, 2007 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: snowbelter (Sep 14, 2007 3:38 pm)
I'd vote for the Nokian Hackapolitas (sp?) they are the ones that my buddy had on my LGT before I bought it from him and he lives up in Lake George in the Adirondacks. I travel up to the Southern Dacks often and would say they are great tires for the winter for the car.
 
-mike

#29 of 124 Tire choices in the snow by snowbelter

Sep 14, 2007 (5:27 pm)

We've found the Nokian WR more than adequate for getting through winters that average 150 inches or more of snow. But a dedicated snow tire is even better if you don't mind dealing with an extra set of tires/rims and the tire pressure monitoring system.

#31 of 124 Will a '98 Legacy L wagon accept Outback wheels by bpappas

Aug 11, 2006 (8:24 am)

I recently purchased a '98 Legacy L wagon after test-driving several Outbacks. The Legacy has a manual, lower mileage, and was a cleaner car (with no leaking seals) than the Outbacks I drove. Plus, with slightly better fuel efficiency ratings, I am pleased with my purchase. However, one thing that attracted me to the Outbacks was the higher ground clearance and beefier tires. The reason for me moving from my trusty 240 wagon to a Sub was that I am moving to a mountainous area and want something that can hold the road better in winters. I am wondering if a regular Legacy can accept an Outback wheel and tire size - or if either the wheel wells do not allow enough clearance, or an Outback wheel needs mated with Outback suspension components. I am sure the brakes would require changing. I believe the Outback wheel is 16x5". Failing this, will the Legacy wheel accept a slightly wider tire? I once owned an Isuzu I-mark that would take a wider tire than factory, so I did this every time I replaced tires for about 6 high-mileage years. Any takers?

#32 of 124 Re: Will a '98 Legacy L wagon accept Outback wheels [bpappas] by ateixeira

Aug 11, 2006 (10:30 am)

Replying to: bpappas (Aug 11, 2006 8:24 am)
The actual wheel will fit, yes, they're both 5x100mm bolt pattern.
 
The brakes are OK, going to a bigger wheel just gives you more room, even though you don't need it.
 
The tires may not clear the rear strut base, though. The Outback's raised suspension leaves more clearance for the bigger tires.
 
I thought Outbacks had 205/70R15 tires back then, though. I thought they went to a 225/60R16 on a 16" rim for MY2000. What is your stock size? 205/60R15, something like that?
 
Use this tool to see how much the diameter will increase:
 
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
 
You can probably go 10mm wider (6mm more radius on a 60 series tires), but not much more than that. There isn't much "slop" in a Subaru, they're relatively precise, so you have less wiggle room for that type of thing.
 
-juice

Messages Page 4 of 14

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