1973 Ford F-150 Tires

A 1973 Ford F-150 may use 700-15, L78-15, LR78-15, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or H78-15, depending on the sub-model and GVWR. Most of these are bias-ply sizes, while LR78-15 is the radial fitment in the vintage alphanumeric format.

The important next step is matching the tire to the truck’s exact 4x2 or 4x4 configuration and wheel diameter. This model year spans both 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheels, so choosing by appearance alone can lead to the wrong size family. Tire selection only gets easier after the truck’s sub-model and actual wheel setup are confirmed.

The 1973 Ford F-150 uses either a 15-inch or 16.5-inch rim, depending on tire size and sub-model. Sizes 700-15, L78-15, LR78-15, and H78-15 fit 15-inch wheels, while 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 fit 16.5-inch wheels.

Rim diameter is the first fitment check because it separates two completely different tire groups on this truck. A 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16.5-inch wheel, and the reverse is just as true. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheels on the truck if it has been modified, restored, or changed over from its original working setup.

The 1973 Ford F-150 covers multiple sub-models with different driveline layouts and GVWR ratings, so more than one primary tire size is normal. Some versions use 15-inch tires, some use 16.5-inch tires, and one 4x2 configuration includes an LR78-15 radial alongside bias-ply choices.

That means tire selection should begin with the exact truck configuration rather than the model name alone. The practical differences are not just cosmetic, because rim diameter and construction both change across the range. Once the sub-model is pinned down, it becomes much easier to compare sidewall styles, tire series, and whether a traditional bias-ply or radial-type option makes sense.

LR78-15 is the radial tire size used on certain 1973 Ford F-150 4x2 trucks with a 6050 GVWR. It is an alphanumeric radial size for a 15-inch rim, and the available product in this fitment is a bias-look radial with a narrow whitewall presentation.

That distinction matters because LR78-15 is not the same construction as the truck’s bias-ply 15-inch options such as 700-15 or L78-15. A buyer should confirm that the truck actually calls for the radial fitment before selecting it. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should also be checked any time a construction change or alternate size path is being considered.

Radial equivalents for L78-15 include 235R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P255/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 820R15 as a bias-look radial. These all relate to the original L78-15 size but represent different radial sizing approaches.

The useful difference is that the metric and P-metric options follow modern radial size conventions, while 820R15 keeps a more traditional visual character. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, but that does not remove the need to verify wheel compatibility, section width, and vehicle clearance. Equivalent sizing is a comparison tool, not an automatic interchange claim.

Start by confirming the truck’s original primary size, wheel diameter, and whether a genuine radial equivalent exists for that size. On this 1973 Ford F-150, radial-equivalent paths are available for L78-15 and H78-15, and LR78-15 is already a radial fitment in one 4x2 application.

The conversion decision should also include the actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of suspension and steering components. Radials and bias-ply tires can change the look and feel of an older truck, so the owner’s goal matters too. A work-truck appearance, a restoration-oriented presentation, and regular road use may all point toward different choices.

The first consideration is the exact size and rim diameter required by the truck’s sub-model, because a 1973 Ford F-150 may use 15-inch or 16.5-inch tires. Construction also matters, since most primary fitments are bias-ply, while LR78-15 is a radial fitment and some 15-inch bias-ply sizes have radial equivalents.

After the fitment basics are settled, compare the tire’s intended role and appearance. Some options are more restoration-oriented, with whitewall treatments and classic bias-ply styling, while others are more truck-focused blackwall tires in series such as Traxion or Transport Highway. Rim-width specifications, load figures where stated, and whether the truck sees show use or regular driving all deserve attention.

Sidewall choices for 1973 Ford F-150 tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and dual-white-stripe, depending on size and product series. The blackwall choices are especially common in truck-oriented sizes, while several 15-inch bias-ply options are available with more decorative whitewall treatments.

That gives owners room to shape the truck’s presentation without leaving the correct size family. A blackwall generally suits a more utilitarian or heavy-duty look, while whitewall treatments push the truck toward a more dressed, period-style appearance. Sidewall choice should come after size and wheel compatibility are settled, since not every style appears in every fitment used by the F-150.

Tires for the 1973 Ford F-150 are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA, depending on size. Brand availability changes across the fitments, with some sizes offering broad selection and others, such as LR78-15, being much more narrowly focused.

Brand choice is most useful after the correct tire size has been confirmed. From there, the differences to compare are construction type, sidewall treatment, tire series, and whether the tire is aimed at classic passenger presentation or truck duty. Rather than picking by brand name alone, it makes more sense to match the product character to the truck’s appearance goals and intended use.

A period-style 1973 Ford F-150 tire choice usually starts with the truck’s original primary size and whether the owner wants to keep the traditional bias-ply construction. Sizes such as 700-15, L78-15, and H78-15 offer the most obvious period-style direction, while LR78-15 provides a vintage-format radial path on the applicable 4x2 setup.

Appearance goals then narrow the field further. A truck meant to look work-oriented may lean toward blackwall truck series, while a more dressed presentation may point toward wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, or dual-white-stripe offerings where available. For exact originality, marque-specific references and restoration documentation are still worth consulting before choosing a sidewall treatment or tire series.

Tire construction influences both the stance and the visual character of a restored 1973 Ford F-150. Bias-ply tires deliver the traditional sizing language and period-style look most owners expect on an older pickup, while radial options can change the overall presentation even when they stay within a vintage or equivalent size family.

That does not mean one construction is automatically right for every restoration. Some owners want the visual authenticity associated with a bias-ply truck tire, while others prefer a radial path that keeps a more classic appearance, such as a bias-look radial. The truck’s intended use, wheel setup, and restoration target should guide the choice rather than appearance alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Ford F-150. Changes to wheel diameter, wheel width, suspension height, steering components, or body clearance can alter whether the truck still suits its original tire size and whether an equivalent or alternate construction can be used safely.

That matters even more on this model year because it already spans both 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments from the factory range. An F-150 with aftermarket wheels or altered ride height should be measured carefully before new tires are selected. Steering lock clearance, fender space, and wheel compatibility are all worth checking before settling on a size or converting constructions.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure lug hardware is appropriate, and confirm that each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over the truck’s steering and suspension so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn or damaged components.

A short clearance check can prevent trouble later. Turn the steering from lock to lock, verify there is no contact at the fenders or suspension, and recheck pressure after the first drive. Older trucks that have sat for long periods also deserve a look at wheel sealing surfaces, brake condition, and any signs of uneven ride height before being returned to regular road use.

Collector tires on a 1973 Ford F-150 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Tread depth matters, but on a low-use vintage truck it is just as important to watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and slow air loss.

Storage environment plays a big role in long-term condition. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to move the truck occasionally and inspect the tires before any longer outing, since collector vehicles often age their tires by time and storage conditions rather than by mileage alone.