1979 Dodge Pickup Tires

A 1979 Dodge Pickup can use 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, 8.75R16.5, 8.00R16.5, 700-15, L78-15, or LR78-15, depending on the exact truck. Those sizes are spread across D200, D300, W150, W200, and W300 configurations, with differences tied to wheel diameter, duty rating, and whether the truck uses bias-ply or radial construction.

The practical first step is identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming whether the truck is on 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels. A W150 4x4 and a D300 dually do not share the same fitment path, and many working trucks have been changed over the years, so the current wheel setup matters as much as the model badge.

The 1979 Dodge Pickup uses either a 15-inch or 16.5-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. Sizes 700-15, L78-15, and LR78-15 are 15-inch fitments, while 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, 8.00R16.5, and 8.75R16.5 are 16.5-inch fitments.

That difference is critical because a 15-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. Before choosing a replacement, check the wheel itself and not just the sidewall on an old tire, especially if the truck has seen service replacement wheels, aftermarket changes, or a prior conversion away from its original wheel package.

The 1979 Dodge Pickup covers a wide range of trucks, from W150 4x4 models on 15-inch tires to D200, D300, W200, and W300 applications that use several 16.5-inch sizes. Wheelbase, GVWR, dual rear wheel configuration, snow-plow equipment, and in some cases bias-ply versus radial construction all affect the primary fitment.

That means the tire decision starts with the exact truck, not just the year and make. A buyer should match the tire to the sub-model and wheel diameter first, then narrow the choice by construction, appearance, and intended use rather than assuming one Dodge Pickup size covers every 1979 configuration.

That depends on the exact 1979 Dodge Pickup sub-model and the kind of result you want. Many D200, D300, and W200 applications use bias-ply sizes, while some configurations also have radial primary sizes such as 8.75R16.5, 8.00R16.5, or LR78-15. A W150 4x4, for example, can fall into both bias-ply and radial territory depending on the size chosen.

Bias-ply usually supports a more traditional truck presentation, while radial choices may appeal to owners who want a different construction style. The important step is confirming the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the truck's actual setup before changing construction, especially on heavier-duty or dual rear wheel models.

Radial equivalents for L78-15 include 235R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P255/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 820R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Those choices cover several sizing conventions while keeping the discussion centered on a 15-inch wheel.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range is 6 to 8 inches, and the owner should still compare the truck's actual wheel width, available clearance, and intended use before moving from L78-15 to any radial equivalent.

Yes, a bias-look radial is part of the 1979 Dodge Pickup picture in two ways. LR78-15 is offered as a bias-look radial for the W150 4x4, and 820R15 is available as a bias-look radial equivalent for the L78-15 size. That gives certain 15-inch applications a radial option with a more traditional visual character.

A bias-look radial can make sense for an owner who wants radial construction without giving up a vintage-style presentation. It still needs to be matched to the truck's actual wheel dimensions and checked for clearance, because visual similarity to a bias-ply tire does not make it automatically interchangeable with every 15-inch setup.

Start with the exact sub-model, then confirm wheel diameter before looking at brands or styling. The 1979 Dodge Pickup spans 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheels, several heavy-duty truck sizes, and both bias-ply and radial constructions, so the right tire depends first on fitment and only then on appearance or series preference.

Once size and wheel are confirmed, compare the tire's intended character. Some options are clearly truck-oriented blackwalls, while certain 15-inch sizes open the door to whitewall or dual-stripe presentations. Wheel width, load capacity where stated, and whether the truck is being restored, shown, or used for regular road duty all help narrow the choice.

Sidewall choices for the 1979 Dodge Pickup include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and dual-white-stripe styles, depending on the tire size. Most 16.5-inch heavy-duty truck sizes stay in blackwall form, while 15-inch sizes such as 700-15, L78-15, and LR78-15 open up more appearance-oriented sidewall options.

That means sidewall choice is closely tied to the truck's fitment path. A W150 4x4 on 15-inch wheels has far more visual variety than a D300 on 16.5-inch truck tires. The best approach is to confirm the correct size first, then choose the sidewall treatment that matches the truck's restoration goals and use.

Available brands for the 1979 Dodge Pickup include STA, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic, depending on tire size. STA is prominent in the 16.5-inch and truck-oriented 15-inch sizes, while Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic appear strongly in the 700-15, L78-15, and LR78-15 range.

Brand choice should come after size and construction have been settled. On some sub-models, especially heavier D- and W-series trucks, the realistic comparison is between STA truck series in the correct size. On certain W150 applications, the brand decision can also involve sidewall style and whether the tire is bias-ply or bias-look radial.

A period-style 1979 Dodge Pickup tire starts with using the correct primary size for the exact truck. For many D200, D300, and W200 applications that means a 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tire, while a W150 4x4 may point toward 700-15 or L78-15 bias-ply, or LR78-15 when a late-1970s radial look is appropriate.

After size is confirmed, think about whether the truck should read as a working pickup, a restoration-oriented street truck, or a more polished show vehicle. Blackwall truck tires support a straightforward utility appearance, while certain 15-inch applications allow whitewall or striped sidewalls that change the presentation without changing the basic fitment.

Tire construction changes the stance and visual character of a restored 1979 Dodge Pickup, especially when comparing bias-ply, radial, and bias-look radial options. A traditional bias-ply truck tire usually supports a more vintage working-truck presentation, while a radial or bias-look radial can give the truck a later or more road-oriented appearance.

That visual difference matters most on sub-models with more than one construction path, such as W150, W300, and certain D300 dual rear wheel applications. If exact originality is important, construction choice should be checked against marque-specific references and the truck's intended restoration standard before finalizing the tire.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1979 Dodge Pickup even when the nominal size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension lifts or lowering, brake conversions, and body or fender alterations can all affect how a 15-inch or 16.5-inch tire sits and clears under the truck.

That is especially important on trucks with multiple possible sizes or both bias-ply and radial paths. A replacement should be matched to the wheel actually on the truck, not assumed from the badge alone. Steering clearance, rear clearance, and dually spacing deserve a close check before road use on any modified example.

Before driving a 1979 Dodge Pickup on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the fit of the tire on the correct wheel diameter and width. It is also smart to check that the tires clear the fenders, suspension, and steering range and that inflation matches the tire's intended service use.

Older trucks often have hidden issues that only show up once fresh tires are installed. Look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment condition, and make sure no old rubbing marks suggest a clearance problem. On dual rear wheel models, confirm spacing and side-to-side consistency before taking the truck on a longer drive.

Collector-use tires on a 1979 Dodge Pickup should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage vintage trucks often spend long periods parked, which makes age and storage conditions just as important as tread depth.

Good storage habits help preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. Keep the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are fine because the truck was not used much. Periodic pressure checks are part of that routine.