1973 Ford F-350 Tires

A 1973 Ford F-350 can use 750-16, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, or 12-16.5, all in bias-ply construction. The correct size depends on the truck’s specific configuration, including GVWR, wheelbase, dual-rear-wheel setup, and in some cases whether the tire is for the front or rear axle.

The practical first step is confirming the wheel diameter on the truck, because both 16-inch and 16.5-inch applications are used. After that, match the tire size to the truck’s exact sub-model and axle position, especially on Camper Special and Super Camper Special versions where fitment can vary more than a modern buyer might expect.

A 1973 Ford F-350 uses either 16-inch or 16.5-inch rims, depending on the exact tire size and truck configuration. The 750-16 size mounts on a 16-inch rim, while 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, and 12-16.5 are all 16.5-inch applications.

That distinction matters because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not the same fitment. A truck that has been worked, restored, or modified over the years may no longer wear its original-type wheels, so checking the wheel stamping or measuring the actual rim before ordering tires is the safest way to avoid a mismatch.

The 1973 Ford F-350 covers a wide range of one-ton truck configurations, so tire size changes with GVWR, wheelbase, dual-rear-wheel use, and certain front-versus-rear applications. That is why the fitment range includes everything from 750-16 on 16-inch wheels to larger 16.5-inch truck sizes such as 950-16.5 and 12-16.5.

Heavy-duty pickups from this era were often tailored to work roles, camper use, and load capacity requirements, so tire fitment was not always uniform across the model line. The most useful approach is to identify the exact sub-model first, then verify the wheel diameter and present wheel setup on the truck before choosing a replacement tire.

Start with the truck’s intended role. A 750-16-equipped 1973 Ford F-350 can be fitted with traditional blackwall bias-ply tires, wide whitewall choices, or truck-oriented designs such as military, transport, and traction-style series, so appearance and use matter as much as size.

Rim compatibility is also worth checking, since several 750-16 products call for a 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim width. Buyers restoring a truck for period-style presentation may focus on sidewall look, while a working or utility build may benefit more from the tread style, load specification, and overall duty focus of the available truck tires.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size. In 750-16, the 1973 Ford F-350 has blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while the 16.5-inch truck sizes are offered in blackwall form. That means appearance flexibility is strongest on 16-inch applications and more work-oriented on the larger 16.5-inch sizes.

A wide whitewall can suit a restoration-minded truck with a more traditional presentation, especially if style matters as much as utility. Blackwall tires generally keep the truck’s heavy-duty look intact and align more naturally with hauling, camper, or commercial character, so the right choice depends on how the F-350 is being finished and driven.

Brand selection varies by size. A 1973 Ford F-350 in 750-16 is available from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, while the 16.5-inch sizes are represented by STA truck tires. That makes the smaller 16-inch fitment the broadest area for comparing brand and appearance differences.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. It makes more sense to start with the confirmed tire size, then compare the series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and truck-duty character available within that size. On a truck with specialized camper or heavier rear fitment, the correct size and wheel setup matter more than having the widest brand selection.

A period-style approach starts with keeping the truck in its correct primary bias-ply size and matching the wheel diameter actually used on the vehicle. For a 1973 Ford F-350, that may mean a 750-16 with classic blackwall or wide whitewall styling, or one of the blackwall 16.5-inch truck sizes used on heavier-duty configurations.

The best visual match depends on how the truck is being presented. A working restoration may lean toward truck-oriented blackwall tread designs, while a more style-conscious build may favor a traditional whitewall only where that sidewall treatment is offered. Exact originality questions are best checked against period photos, factory literature, or marque-specific restoration references.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1973 Ford F-350 restoration because the truck used multiple bias-ply sizes across different configurations, and those sizes were tied to specific wheel diameters and duty levels. Using the wrong size can change the truck’s stance, visual balance, and overall presentation even before road-use concerns enter the picture.

Authentic-looking results usually come from matching the truck’s exact sub-model and wheel setup first, then choosing the sidewall and tread style that suits the restoration goal. On this F-350, that is especially important because 16-inch and 16.5-inch applications overlap the model range, and some versions even separate front and rear fitment.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Ford F-350, especially because this truck already spans multiple tire sizes, wheel diameters, and specialized front and rear applications. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or swapped axles can all change what tire size makes sense on the truck today.

A modified F-350 should be checked at the wheel itself before replacing tires. Verify rim diameter and width, then look at clearance around the fenders, steering components, and dual-rear-wheel spacing where applicable. Trucks that have spent years in work service often carry changes that are not obvious from the badge or trim alone.

Before driving a 1973 Ford F-350 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires match the truck’s actual configuration, and check basic items such as inflation pressure, valve stems, and visible clearance at full steering lock. On dual-rear-wheel setups, spacing between rear tires also deserves attention.

A collector or low-use work truck should also be checked for suspension wear, loose steering components, and any rubbing marks from the previous tire setup. A short local test drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal contact issues or pressure loss early, before the truck is asked to carry weight or cover longer highway miles.

Tires on a collector 1973 Ford F-350 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of sun, moisture, and ozone exposure during storage. A truck that is driven only occasionally can age its tires out long before it wears the tread away.

Regular movement helps avoid flat spotting on bias-ply tires, but the truck should still be checked carefully before each road outing. Paying attention to age, air retention, and visible sidewall condition matters as much as tread depth on an older one-ton pickup, particularly when the truck may still be expected to carry camper or hauling loads.