1979 Ford F-250 Tires

A 1979 Ford F-250 can use 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, 950-16.5, or 750-16, depending on the exact sub-model and GVWR. Most applications stay on 16.5-inch wheels, while one 4x2 Super Cab configuration also uses a 16-inch 750-16 bias-ply fitment.

The first step is identifying the truck's exact drivetrain, cab style, and GVWR, then confirming the wheel diameter currently on the vehicle. Many F-250s from this era have changed hands, wheels, or service setups over time, so checking the installed tire size and wheel stamping helps prevent choosing a tire from the wrong fitment group.

The 1979 Ford F-250 uses either a 16.5-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, and 950-16.5 fitments use 16.5-inch wheels, while the 750-16 size uses a 16-inch wheel.

That difference is critical because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not the same fitment even when the numbers look close at a glance. Before replacing anything, measure the wheel or confirm the stamping on the rim so the new tire matches the actual wheel on the truck rather than a similar-looking alternative.

The 1979 Ford F-250 spans multiple 4x2, 4x4, and Super Cab configurations with different GVWR ratings, so tire fitment is not the same across the whole model line. Some trucks use lighter 16.5-inch bias-ply sizes, some move to larger 16.5-inch sizes, and some applications include an 8.75R16.5 radial choice.

That means the correct tire is tied to the truck's exact configuration rather than the model name alone. A buyer should verify the sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing brands or tread styles, especially on working trucks that may have seen wheel swaps, replacement axles, or long-term service changes over the years.

The 8.75R16.5 fitment for the 1979 Ford F-250 is a radial tire. The R in the size marks it as radial construction, and it appears on several 4x2, 4x4, and Super Cab applications alongside separate bias-ply sizes used on other configurations.

That distinction matters because the truck may be correct for either a radial or a bias-ply setup depending on sub-model and wheel arrangement. Matching the replacement tire to the size already fitted on the truck is the safest approach, followed by a check of wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance before changing construction or size.

A 1979 Ford F-250 can be found with both bias-ply and radial primary fitments, so the right answer depends on the truck's exact configuration. Sizes such as 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, and 750-16 are bias-ply fitments, while 8.75R16.5 is a radial fitment.

Bias-ply selection usually suits a more traditional truck presentation, while a radial-equipped configuration should stay matched to its proper wheel and size. The practical decision starts with what the truck is actually built around now, since wheel diameter, wheel width, and the intended look of the vehicle all matter before changing from one construction type to another.

Start by confirming that the truck has a radial fitment available in the exact size range and wheel diameter being used. On the 1979 Ford F-250, 8.75R16.5 is a primary radial size on certain configurations, but the truck also uses several bias-ply-only sizes depending on sub-model and GVWR.

A conversion should be checked against wheel diameter, wheel width, installed clearance, and the truck's actual use before moving away from the current setup. Looking at steering clearance, suspension condition, and whether the wheels are original or later replacements is especially important on older heavy-duty pickups that may no longer match their factory-era configuration.

The most important considerations are the exact tire size, wheel diameter, and whether the truck uses a bias-ply or radial fitment. On a 1979 Ford F-250, those basics vary by sub-model, and the difference between a 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel changes the entire tire selection process.

Once the fitment is confirmed, compare the available series by the truck's intended role. A restoration-minded pickup, a work-oriented truck, and a lightly driven collector vehicle may all point toward different tread styles, sidewall treatments, load figures, and rim-width requirements even when the primary tire size itself is already established.

Most 1979 Ford F-250 tire options are blackwall truck tires, especially in the 16.5-inch sizes. The 750-16 fitment adds wide whitewall choices alongside blackwall options, which creates a broader appearance range than the truck-focused 16.5-inch selections.

That makes sidewall style partly a function of size, not just personal preference. A buyer choosing 750-16 has room to lean toward a more restoration-oriented look, while the 16.5-inch sizes stay focused on traditional truck presentation, so the correct fitment should be settled first and the appearance decision made second.

Tires for the 1979 Ford F-250 are available from STA, Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich, depending on the size. The 16.5-inch truck sizes are centered on STA offerings, while the 750-16 fitment includes a broader mix of brands and several different product series.

Brand choice should follow size confirmation rather than lead it, because not every brand appears in every fitment. After the correct size is established, compare the available brand offerings by series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and truck-use character instead of assuming the same selection exists across the entire F-250 lineup.

A period-style 1979 Ford F-250 tire choice starts with the correct primary size for the truck's exact configuration, then stays within the bias-ply or radial fitment appropriate to that setup. Many applications use blackwall truck tires in 16.5-inch sizes, while the 750-16 fitment adds a wider mix of vintage-looking bias-ply choices.

Appearance matters on a late-1970s truck, but fitment matters first. Once the proper size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the next decision is whether the truck should present as a work-oriented pickup with blackwall truck rubber or as a more restoration-minded vehicle with one of the 750-16 period-style sidewall options.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1979 Ford F-250 restoration because this truck does not use one universal size across all versions. Wheel diameter, construction type, and tire size all affect how the truck sits and how authentic the finished presentation feels.

A restoration should begin by confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup on the vehicle being restored. Buyers who want to go beyond a period-style result and chase exact historical accuracy should also compare the truck against marque references or original vehicle paperwork before settling on a specific sidewall treatment or tire series.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford F-250, especially because this truck already spans both 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel applications. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or brake and axle swaps can all alter the size range that works safely on the vehicle.

The best approach is to verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the truck before ordering replacements. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be checked, since an older pickup may no longer be configured exactly as it was when new even if it still carries the same model badge.

Before driving a 1979 Ford F-250 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are inflated to the needs of the truck and the tire being used. A quick check for rubbing at full steering lock is also worthwhile.

An older heavy-duty pickup should also be looked over for suspension wear, loose steering components, and signs that the previous tires were contacting the body or chassis. Short local test driving helps reveal vibration, pulling, or clearance issues early, before the truck is asked to carry a load or cover longer distances.

Tires on a collector 1979 Ford F-250 should be checked regularly for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Collector trucks often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than through high mileage alone.

Good maintenance also means keeping the truck stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and moving it often enough to avoid long-term flat spotting. Pressure checks before every drive are especially useful on vintage truck tires, since older vehicles may sit for long stretches between road use.