98 v70 base (FWD): 215/65r16 tire fitment Topic is solved

Post by **CIK7** » 21 May 2023, 07:34

I recently put a new pair of Hankook Kinergy H750 4s2 on th efront of the rotten tomato. I am going to go back to rattan trail next month to test them out. I really want to get a set of BF Goodrich Trail-Terrain T/A. That seems to be the only rough terrain tire that goes down into th smaller sizes. Their 15" is definitely too big. Their smallest 16" is 215/65r16. From the factory, Volvo equips the 16" models with 205/55. I know for a fact 205/60 fits because I had a set of BF Goodrich Advantage TA Sport on my 98 XC.

So who on here has tried to fir 215/65r16 on their P80? I must specify FWD because they sit lower than the AWD models.

Post by **scot850** » 21 May 2023, 08:16

The XC has different struts and rear hubs to lift the car slightly. The AWD and R sit at the same height as the FWD cars.

The issue you have with the bigger diameter tires are :

1) The gap from the top of the tire to front strut lower spring seat.
2) The larger diameter will cause rubbing and potential damage to the front fender liners

I suggest you find what the actual wheel outer diameter is and see if you add half the difference to the height of a 205-60-16" tire will it fit.

Neil.

rrres · Post by **rrres** » 21 May 2023, 10:30

scot850 wrote: 21 May 2023, 08:16
1) The gap from the top of the tire to front strut lower spring seat.

+1. I've tried putting 225/50/r17 and the top of the front tire was 1/2 inch from the spring seat. I can just imagine a larger diameter wheel would be hitting that spring seat. The front wheels only rubbed on the fender at full clock but the rear rubbed every time I hit a bump or making a sharp turn (i guess my rear shocks are worn also). I bought the tires new and removed and sold them a month later.

Post by **CIK7** » 21 May 2023, 16:25

rrres wrote: 21 May 2023, 10:30
scot850 wrote: 21 May 2023, 08:16
1) The gap from the top of the tire to front strut lower spring seat.

+1. I've tried putting 225/50/r17 and the top of the front tire was 1/2 inch from the spring seat. I can just imagine a larger diameter wheel would be hitting that spring seat. The front wheels only rubbed on the fender at full clock but the rear rubbed every time I hit a bump or making a sharp turn (i guess my rear shocks are worn also). I bought the tires new and removed and sold them a month later.

Diameters 225/50r17 657mm and 215/65r16 686mm. Your 225/50r17 were 1/2" from spring seat. The 215/65 would not fit at all because it is approximately .6" bigger than the 225/50. Excellent feedback, thank you!