Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger Tires
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger sat in an era when heavy-duty pickups were expected to work hard but still reflect the styling and trim hierarchy of the period. Built for 1980 and 1981, Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger belongs to the late classic truck years, when light-truck tire sizing could vary more than many owners expect today. Tire selection is not as simple as picking a single period-correct size, because the listings here span both 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel diameters, along with several numeric bias-ply sizes and one radial-marked size. The first step with any Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger is to confirm whether the truck carries 16-inch or 16.5-inch wheels before choosing a tire.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger Tire Size Guide
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger production changed between 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel diameters, with 16-inch and 16.5-inch sizes both appearing in 1980. Across the 1980 to 1981 production span, this model group uses 5 distinct tire sizes. Most of the listings use older numeric bias-ply sizing, where the first number indicates nominal section width with the decimal omitted, while 8.75R16.5 is a radial-marked size with the rim diameter built into the code.
750-16 fits 1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger applications using 16-inch wheels. In this numeric format, 750 indicates a nominal 7.50-inch section width and 16 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 16-inch rims. Choose 750-16 when the truck is equipped with the 16-inch wheel setup rather than the 16.5-inch alternatives; A tube is required.
800-16.5 fits 1980 and 1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger applications using one of the 16.5-inch wheel fitments. In this numeric format, 800 indicates a nominal 8.00-inch section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 16.5-inch rims. Choose 800-16.5 when the truck carries the narrower 16.5-inch setup and period-style bias-ply construction is appropriate; A tube is required.
875-16.5 fits 1980 and 1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger applications using 16.5-inch wheels. In this numeric format, 875 indicates a nominal 8.75-inch section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 16.5-inch rims. Choose 875-16.5 when the truck’s wheel diameter is confirmed at 16.5 inches and a period-style truck bias-ply tire is desired; A tube is required.
8.75R16.5 is listed for 1980 and 1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger as a radial-marked alternative within the 16.5-inch fitment group. The 8.75 designates nominal section width, R identifies radial construction, and 16.5 is the rim diameter. Use 8.75R16.5 only after verifying the truck was equipped for the radial 16.5-inch size rather than one of the numeric bias-ply options.
950-16.5 fits 1980 and 1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger applications using 16.5-inch wheels. In this numeric format, 950 indicates a nominal 9.50-inch section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 16.5-inch rims. Choose 950-16.5 when the truck needs the larger 16.5-inch bias-ply fitment shown for these years; A tube is required.
Because 1980 lists more than two sizes, buyers with a 1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger need to identify the specific wheel diameter first, since that year includes both 16-inch and 16.5-inch fitments.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger Tires by Year
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger production changed between 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments in 1980, so wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm before selecting a tire. In 1980, more than two sizes are listed, and the split includes both 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel diameters. Use the year listing to narrow the truck to the correct period size, then match that size to the actual wheel on the vehicle.
1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger
- 8.75R16.5
- 800-16.5
- 875-16.5
- 950-16.5
- 750-16
1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger
- 800-16.5
- 875-16.5
- 8.75R16.5
- 950-16.5
Best Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger Tires for Sale
Available Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tires include 18 products from 4 brands across 750-16, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 sizes. Sidewall choices include blackwall and wide whitewall, so confirm both the correct size and the wheel’s rim diameter before selecting.
800-16.5 Products
These are the available products for 800-16.5.
875-16.5 Products
These are the available products for 875-16.5.
950-16.5 Products
These are the available products for 950-16.5.
750-16 Products
These are the available products for 750-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below focus on the real trouble spots for Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tire selection, especially the 16-inch versus 16.5-inch wheel split, older numeric truck sizes, and the difference between restoration-style bias-ply and radial-marked fitments.
Size Basics & Fitment
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger uses five listed tire sizes across 1980 and 1981: 750-16, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5. The 750-16 size appears only for 1980 and uses a 16-inch rim. The 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5 sizes are listed for both 1980 and 1981 and use 16.5-inch rims.
That means year alone is not enough, especially for a 1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger. Start by checking the wheel itself for 16-inch or 16.5-inch diameter, then match the tire size to the exact setup on the truck. If the truck has already been restored or modified, compare the current wheels against period paperwork or a trusted truck specialist before moving ahead.
On a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger, 750-16 is an older numeric bias-ply truck size. The 750 portion indicates a nominal 7.50-inch section width, with the decimal omitted, and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. Available products in this size are bias-ply tires built for 16-inch rims.
That sizing format matters because it is easy to confuse with later radial sizing conventions. If a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger carries 16-inch wheels, 750-16 belongs to that wheel diameter family and should not be interchanged with 16.5-inch truck sizes. Since the available products in this size are bias-ply, tube-type installation practice is typically part of the fitment plan.
A 1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger has five tire sizes listed because that model year includes both 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments. The 750-16 size belongs to the 16-inch group, while 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5 belong to the 16.5-inch group. The listing also reflects both older numeric bias-ply sizes and one radial-marked size within the 16.5-inch family.
The practical takeaway is that a 1980 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger cannot be matched by year alone. Confirm the actual wheel diameter first, then identify which size family matches the truck’s existing wheel and intended use. Trucks that have had wheel swaps, camper-duty changes, or restoration work deserve an extra check before any tire decision is made.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger uses both 16-inch and 16.5-inch rim diameters in the listed years. The 750-16 size is built for a 16-inch rim, and the 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5 sizes are built for 16.5-inch rims. Both diameters appear in 1980, while 1981 is shown only with 16.5-inch sizes.
That difference is critical because 16-inch and 16.5-inch tires are not interchangeable. A Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger owner should read the wheel marking directly or verify wheel dimensions during dismount, especially if the truck’s wheels may have been changed over the years. Treat the wheel diameter as the first fitment checkpoint, not the final one.
Buying the Right Tire
The right tire size for a 1980 or 1981 Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger is confirmed by matching the year and the wheel diameter together. A 1980 truck may use 750-16 on 16-inch rims or one of several 16.5-inch sizes, while a 1981 truck is listed with 16.5-inch sizes only. The current wheel diameter must agree with the tire size code.
A careful buyer should inspect the wheel marking, the tire size already mounted, and any restoration records before choosing. If a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger has replacement wheels, the truck may no longer follow the original year pattern exactly. Once the wheel diameter is verified, compare the remaining size options by intended stance, load style, and period appearance.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tires are available here in blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The 16.5-inch truck sizes are shown in blackwall only, while 750-16 includes both blackwall and wide whitewall choices. That gives the 16-inch size the broadest appearance range in the current selection.
For most working-truck or utility restorations, blackwall is the more typical visual direction. Wide whitewalls in 750-16 suit a more customized or appearance-driven build, especially if the truck is being restored with a period flavor that leans away from strictly commercial presentation. Sidewall style should always be chosen after wheel diameter and tire size are already settled.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tires in these sizes are offered by STA, Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich. STA appears across several truck-oriented sizes and series, while Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich appear in the 750-16 group. That makes the 16-inch fitment the broadest brand choice in the current range.
Brand selection on a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger should follow size and wheel fitment rather than lead the decision. Once the correct size is established, compare brands by construction style, tread family, sidewall appearance, and whether the truck is being restored for work-truck character or a more decorative period look.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tires appear here in several distinct series, including Super Transport, Traxion, Transport Highway, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Lester Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Military, and Super Traxion. Some lean toward highway-style truck use, some use more traction-oriented tread concepts, and some are styled for classic or military character. All currently listed products are bias-ply except the separate 8.75R16.5 size notation, which marks a radial fitment family.
That means the right series depends on how the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger is being presented and used. A truck restored as a work-focused pickup may call for a blackwall truck series, while a more show-oriented 750-16 application may favor a classic bias-ply line with whitewall styling. Tread family, sidewall style, and wheel diameter should be weighed together rather than separately.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and prolonged exposure to heat. Tires last better when the truck is kept indoors, inflation is maintained, and the vehicle is moved periodically so one section of the casing does not carry the same load for months at a time. Long-term static storage is especially hard on older-style bias-ply truck tires.
If the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger will sit for an extended period, reduce unnecessary load in the bed and keep the tires out of contact with petroleum products or solvents. Many collectors also use jack stands or reposition the truck occasionally to limit flat spotting. Good storage habits protect both appearance and service life on a low-use collector truck.
Tires on a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger should be inspected before each drive and more thoroughly at regular intervals during the season. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, embedded debris, uneven wear, aging around the bead area, and air loss. Bias-ply truck tires benefit from frequent visual checks because many collector trucks spend long periods parked between uses.
A practical inspection routine also includes checking inflation, wheel condition, valve stems, and the age profile of the tires already on the truck. If the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger sees occasional hauling, parade use, or long-distance event driving, inspections should be even more disciplined. Any vibration, pull, or sudden change in ride feel deserves immediate attention before the truck is driven farther.
Tires on a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, cord exposure, impact damage, irregular wear, or structural concerns appear, even if tread depth still looks usable. Collector-truck tires often age out before they wear out. A tire that looks presentable from a few feet away can still be too old or compromised for confident road use.
That is particularly important on a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger that sees infrequent use, because time and storage conditions often matter more than mileage. Replacement decisions should consider the truck’s speed, load, and intended use, not tread alone. If an older tire is being kept for display purposes, separate cosmetic preservation from road-use decisions and have questionable tires evaluated by a knowledgeable specialist.
Restoration & Authenticity
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger is shown with multiple tire sizes and series across just two model years, including 750-16, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5. The available series include classic bias-ply passenger-style offerings in 750-16 and several truck-oriented series such as Super Transport, Traxion, Transport Highway, Firestone Classic Military, and Super Traxion. That mix indicates there was more than one correct direction depending on wheel diameter and truck configuration.
For restoration work, the best approach is to match the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger to its actual wheel size and the way the truck was equipped when new. Factory paperwork, original photos, dealer literature, and marque-specific sources are the best way to narrow the exact appearance for a particular truck. Tire style should support the restoration story, not compete with it.
Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect the presentation, judging credibility, and perceived value of a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger. Judges and knowledgeable collectors often notice whether the wheel diameter, sidewall style, and overall tire character match the period and purpose of the truck. A work-oriented pickup fitted with obviously mismatched tire style can look out of step even if the dimensions are close.
The biggest authenticity gain usually comes from getting the wheel diameter and overall tire profile right first. After that, a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger restoration can be refined through blackwall versus whitewall choice and by selecting a tread family that suits a utility, military-style, or dressed-up presentation. Marque clubs and period sales literature are useful references when the truck is being prepared for judged display.
Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger tires are available here in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, but the sidewall choice depends on the size family being restored. The 16.5-inch truck sizes are offered in blackwall, while 750-16 includes both blackwall and wide whitewall choices. That makes blackwall the common thread across the full truck-oriented range.
For a utilitarian or factory-flavored Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger, blackwall is usually the safer restoration direction. Wide whitewalls in 750-16 make more sense when the truck is being finished with a period custom look or a more stylized appearance than a plain work pickup. Sidewall style should complement the truck’s trim level and era character rather than overpower it.
Safety & Road Use
A Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger can be driven on public roads when the tires are the correct size for the wheel, properly installed, correctly inflated for their intended service, and in sound condition. The listed offerings are period-style collector and truck tires, with most shown in bias-ply construction. Safe road use depends as much on age, condition, and correct fitment as it does on tread pattern.
Before regular road use, make sure the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger has matching tires side to side on each axle, sound wheels, and no confusion between 16-inch and 16.5-inch fitments. A truck that still carries older suspension, steering, or brake components should be evaluated as a complete system. Tire choice is only one part of making an older heavy-duty pickup road-ready.
Before driving a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger, check tire pressure, visible cracking, tread and sidewall condition, wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and whether all four tires match the intended fitment family. Confirm that the truck is not mixing 16-inch and 16.5-inch components. On a collector truck, the first walk-around often reveals age issues before the first mile does.
A prudent owner should also consider how the Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger will be used that day. Short local driving, event use, and hauling place different demands on older truck tires, especially bias-ply designs. If the truck has been sitting, drive gently at first and pay attention to vibration, pull, or heat buildup, then recheck the tires once the initial outing is complete.
A Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger fitted with period-style tires should be driven at speeds appropriate to the construction, condition, and intended service of the tire, rather than treated like a modern half-ton on modern radials. Most listed options are bias-ply truck tires, which generally call for a more measured driving style and realistic expectations about ride and response. Tire age and condition matter as much as size when setting road speed.
The sensible approach is to keep a Ford Trucks F-250 Ranger within conservative operating speeds that suit an older heavy-duty truck and to increase speed only after verifying smooth running, correct inflation, and stable behavior. A freshly restored truck on collector tires should be tested gradually, not immediately pushed into sustained highway use. Mechanical condition and load should always guide the final decision.