Alton Brobst If you’re looking to lift your Subaru Outback for off-road adventures, you might be considering upgrading your wheels as well. The right wheel size can improve your vehicle’s performance and give it a more aggressive appearance. However, choosing the wrong size can lead to handling issues, increased wear and tear on your suspension, and potentially dangerous driving conditions. In this article, we’ll go over the factors to consider when choosing wheel size and recommend the best sizes for lifted Subaru Outbacks.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right wheel size for a lifted Subaru Outback is important for performance and safety.
- Larger wheels can improve off-road capability, but may decrease on-road handling and ride quality.
- It’s important to consider the offset, backspacing, and diameter when selecting wheels.
- For a 2-inch lift, we recommend 17-inch wheels with a 5x100mm bolt pattern and a +38mm offset.
Factors to Consider
Tire Size
When choosing a wheel size, it’s important to consider the size of your tires as well. Your new wheels should be compatible with your current or planned tire size. Larger tires with a taller sidewall can absorb more impact and offer better off-road traction, but they may also decrease fuel efficiency and on-road handling. It’s important to choose a tire size that fits your planned driving conditions and vehicle capabilities.
Suspension Lift
The size of your lift kit will affect the size of wheels you can use. Larger lifts will allow for larger wheels and tires, while smaller lifts may require smaller wheels to maintain proper clearance. It’s important to choose a wheel size that complements your lift kit and doesn’t interfere with your suspension components.
Offset and Backspacing
Offset and backspacing are important factors to consider when choosing wheels. Offset refers to the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel and the centerline of the wheel. Backspacing is the distance from the back of the wheel to the mounting surface. Both of these measurements can affect the position of the wheel in relation to the suspension and body of the vehicle. Choosing the correct offset and backspacing will ensure proper fitment and prevent rubbing or interference with suspension components.
Diameter and Width
The diameter and width of your wheels will affect your vehicle’s performance and handling. Larger wheels may improve off-road capability and appearance, but they may also decrease on-road handling and ride quality. Wider wheels may offer more stability and improved traction, but they may also decrease fuel efficiency and increase wear and tear on suspension components.
Recommended Sizes
For a 2-inch lift on a Subaru Outback, we recommend using 17-inch wheels with a 5x100mm bolt pattern and a +38mm offset. This size will give you the clearance you need for off-road driving while maintaining proper fitment and alignment. For tire size, we recommend using 245/65R17 tires, which will offer improved off-road traction and a more aggressive appearance.
Installation
When installing new wheels on a lifted Subaru Outback, it’s important to ensure proper fitment and alignment. We recommend consulting with a professional mechanic or tire shop to ensure that your wheels and tires are properly installed and balanced. This will help prevent rubbing, interference with suspension components, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wheel size for a lifted Subaru Outback is an important decision that can affect your vehicle’s performance, handling, and safety. By considering factors such as tire size, suspension lift, offset and backspacing, and diameter and width, you can select a wheel size that complements your vehicle and driving conditions. For a 2-inch lift, we recommend using 17-inch wheels with a 5x100mm bolt pattern and a +38mm offset for proper fitment and alignment. With the right wheels and tires, your lifted Subaru Outback can tackle the toughest off-road adventures with confidence.
FAQ
Q: Can I use larger wheels with a larger lift kit?
A: Yes, larger lift kits will allow for larger wheels and tires, but it’s important to ensure that your new wheels and tires are compatible with your lift kit and vehicle components.
Q: Will larger wheels decrease my fuel efficiency?
A: Yes, larger wheels may decrease fuel efficiency due to increased weight and rolling resistance. It’s important to choose a wheel size that balances performance and fuel efficiency.
Q: Can I install new wheels myself?
A: While it’s possible to install new wheels yourself, we recommend consulting with a professional mechanic or tire shop to ensure proper fitment and alignment. This will help prevent rubbing, interference with suspension components, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
