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'95 Sambar tire and wheel decision

Discussion in 'Subaru Sambar' started by Robert J Litzinger, Aug 12, 2021.

  1. Robert J Litzinger

    Robert J Litzinger New Member

    Hey guys. Newbie here. Just bought a '95 Sambar a week ago with 29,000 miles. Nice little machine in very good condition. I'm going with a 2" body lift versus a suspension lift due to CV axles. With that said, i'm faced with mass confusion now on tires/wheels. I see what some others are using, but i wanna go with aluminum wheels. It appears that 13" trailer wheels is about the only choice in nice looking aluminum. I want 13" because of a somewhat better selection, but not much. Would like as much sidewall and height as possible. This mini will be seeing quite a bit of highway use, but will be taken off road as well. That said, i also want a semi-aggressive tire tread. I know i have many options going with an ATV tire, but again, it's gonna see a lot of highway use. I do not want all season tires. I know my choices broaden with the 14" wheel, but then i will be sacrificing ride due to less tire sidewall. My head is spinning right now. Regarding the +45 offset required, i'm not opposed to adding 1" spacers. I know it won't compensate for the 45mm, but will help. I just don't wanna make an expensive decision and regret it later due to rubbing, appearance, or ride quality.

    Should i go with the 14" and hope for the best regarding ride, or keep searching for 13" combos? All i could find tire-wise that i like is one type in 13's. Not good. With a 2" body lift, what is the max tire height i can go without rubbing? 23"ish? Advice greatly appreciated.
     
  2. fumbimo

    fumbimo New Member

    I would go with 14 or even 15" wheels. It broaden your tire choices a lot. Considering you're adding a lift I'm assuming its to be able to fit a larger diameter tire so you should still be able to get something with an okay amount of sidewall if you go with bigger wheels.
     
  3. Robert J Litzinger

    Robert J Litzinger New Member

    Hey thanks for the reply Fumbimo. Yea i think i'm gonna go with the 14's. I think the 13 stuff is just short of extinct.
     
  4. Marisa

    Marisa New Member

    Can anyone recommend tires for 15 wheels? I was looking for a low profile look if possible...
     
  5. Wonko

    Wonko Member

    I'm going to agree with you on the 13 vs 14 size. You can get a lot of street 13 size tires, but nothing that looks aggressive enough for the Sambar. It took me forever to find some I was happy with. Next time around I may scrap the 13s and go with 14s. I think the rubber would be too low profile on 15s for a decent ride though. you have less than 24" diameter to play with.
     
    Robert J Litzinger likes this.
  6. Rebb

    Rebb New Member

     
  7. Rebb

    Rebb New Member

    I’m running into a tire and wheel issue as well. I’ve got some 13” wheels and have found some 165/80r13 m/t but I know they will scrub. My truck already has a 3” spring lift. Any suggestions?
     
  8. t_g_farrell

    t_g_farrell Active Member

    I run 175/70R13 in my van and no rubbing issues but it is a Suzuki so maybe the Subies are different? They are 22.7 inches in diameter, those 80 series tires may be a tad too tall maybe?
     
  9. Rebb

    Rebb New Member

    I’m using it for a farm truck so wanted something a little more aggressive tread but probably going to settle for a snow tire in that same size.
     
  10. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    I went with 12" and some good DOT approved ATV tires. 23x8R12
     
  11. Wonko

    Wonko Member

    Any pics?
     
  12. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    2” body lift.
     

    Attached Files:

  13. KenZ

    KenZ New Member

    Cop on my back, I'm guessing you went with the K9 or journey atv tire? What rim did you mount them on? original or aftermarket? width of rim? Thanks!
     
  14. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    No, went with Mongrel GBL 25x8R12. These are DOT approved to 50 mph. Wheels are ITP 12x8. Had to use some adapter spacers to go from 4x100 to the wheel's 4x110.
     
  15. KenZ

    KenZ New Member

    Thanks for the reply. Did they fit with no cutting? I checked on the K9's and the guy at G&R said I would have to trim the door. The Mongrel seems to be a larger tire than the K9. On another topic, I saw one of your truck pictures and it looked like you had some type of modified front bumper. I only saw a partial picture showing it. what did you do there. Looked nice from what I could see!
     
  16. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    I have a 2" body lift and they still rubbed a bit on the back of the cab. I banged in it with a hammer and will do some trimming and welding this summer. Also plan to install a 2" body lift. Front bumper is for a Jeep YJ. Fair bit of customizing and trimming to make that fit.
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Tyler Madia

    Tyler Madia Member

    I was thinking of getting a set of these rims. Cheap and should fit.

    Pacer 61984B 14x5.5 4x100

    Then just get a set of 175 65-14 tires. That would be 23" diameter.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2022
    CVP33 likes this.
  18. CVP33

    CVP33 Active Member

  19. Tyler Madia

    Tyler Madia Member

    Yeah, I wasn't too sure about that site. I think Walmart has the same rims for around $60 each though.
     
  20. CVP33

    CVP33 Active Member

    I sent them an email asking why their website looked so sketchy. We’ll see if I get a response. Looks like a way to harvest emails and PayPal info.
     
  21. CVP33

    CVP33 Active Member

    Just got a gmail bounce back from my email. Definitely a scam site. I’d remove that link to protect others.
     
  22. Tyler Madia

    Tyler Madia Member

    That's a bummer. Removed, but I kept the wheel P/N type just in case someone wants to try it out.

    Here is basically the same size on Epay for about $50 per wheel:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/174592039671?hash=item28a67f1af7:g:u~IAAOSwgOBf~H~~

    Walmart has the Pacer rim listed at $42 but they are out of stock.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2022
  23. CVP33

    CVP33 Active Member

    Bummer indeed. A set of wheels under $100 would be awesome.
     
  24. CVP33

    CVP33 Active Member

    Done
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2022
  25. kauai808

    kauai808 New Member

    Does anyone know of some chrome wheels to run? Just picked up a 1995 sambar
     

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