1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat Tires

The 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat uses three primary tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. All three are bias-ply tires built for 16.5-inch wheels. The correct size depends on the truck’s exact configuration, including whether it is a dual-rear-wheel or single-rear-wheel truck and, in covered applications, its GVWR and drivetrain layout.

The practical takeaway is that size selection starts with identifying the exact truck, not just the model name. A DRW F-350 Ranger Lariat can fall into the narrower 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 fitment range, while the covered SRW 4x2 and 4x4 versions use 950-16.5. Checking the actual wheel setup on the truck matters, especially on older heavy-duty pickups that may have been changed during years of work use.

The covered tire fitments for the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat all use 16.5-inch rims. That applies across the 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 tire sizes. Even though section width changes between those sizes, the wheel diameter remains the same within the fitments covered here.

Rim diameter is only the first part of the wheel check. A 16.5-inch wheel does not automatically make every 16.5-inch truck tire suitable, because width and the truck’s actual configuration still matter. Some available products also include rim-width guidance, such as 6.00 to 6.50 inches for 800-16.5 and 6.50 to 6.75 inches for 950-16.5, so the wheel should be measured before choosing among available options.

More than one tire size appears because the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat was offered in different heavy-duty configurations. The covered fitments include dual-rear-wheel trucks with several GVWR and wheelbase combinations, plus single-rear-wheel 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Those differences affect which tire size belongs on the truck.

That means the correct choice is tied to the actual build of the vehicle rather than the badge alone. A buyer should confirm whether the truck is DRW or SRW, verify the drivetrain configuration where relevant, and inspect the current wheels before selecting a replacement. On an older F-350, that step is especially important because service replacements or wheel changes over time can blur the original-style fitment picture.

A 950-16.5 tire for this truck should first match the correct covered application, since that size belongs to the SRW 4x2 and the listed 4x4 versions rather than the narrower DRW fitments. Available choices are bias-ply blackwall truck tires from STA, including Traxion and Super Transport, so the selection centers on series and wheel compatibility rather than sidewall styling.

Once size is confirmed, compare the wheel itself against the tire’s intended rim range and review product details such as load-capacity figures where stated. The listed 950-16.5 options include a 6.50 to 6.75-inch rim-width range and a maximum load capacity of 2780 at 60 psi on the products that state it. That helps narrow the choice for a truck used for hauling, storage, or occasional road service.

The available tires for the covered 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat fitments come from STA. The lineup stays within truck-oriented bias-ply offerings and includes series such as Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway, depending on the tire size. All of the visible options use a blackwall sidewall treatment.

Because the brand choice is concentrated, the buyer’s comparison shifts to size, series, and product specifications instead of switching between multiple manufacturers. That can be useful on an older heavy-duty truck where correct fitment matters more than broad brand variety. The next step is confirming the exact tire size for the truck and then comparing the STA options that exist within that size family.

The available tire series for the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat include STA Super Transport, STA Traxion, and STA Transport Highway. Series availability depends on the tire size. The 800-16.5 fitment is offered in Super Transport and Traxion, 875-16.5 appears in Traxion and Transport Highway, and 950-16.5 is offered in Traxion and Super Transport.

Series choice matters because even within one correct size, the available tires are not all the same product. A buyer should compare the series within the proper size while also checking wheel-width guidance, stated load information where available, and the truck’s intended use. On a collector-era work truck, that can help balance practical service needs with a traditional heavy-duty bias-ply presentation.

A period-style approach for the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat starts with using the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact truck configuration. That means staying within 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5 as appropriate, all on 16.5-inch rims. The available products also retain a traditional blackwall truck-tire appearance, which suits the era and working character of this heavy-duty Ford.

The best period-style choice depends on how the truck is configured and how closely the owner wants to preserve its heavy-duty stance. A DRW truck should remain within its proper size family, while the covered SRW and 4x4 applications center on 950-16.5. When exact originality matters beyond general period character, truck-specific historical references and marque documentation are worth checking before settling on a final tire series.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat restoration because the truck’s stance, wheel fill, and heavy-duty character all depend on using the right size family for the actual configuration. A DRW truck and an SRW or covered 4x4 truck do not share the same primary size, even though they all use 16.5-inch rims and bias-ply construction.

Using the wrong size can change the visual balance of the truck and may also complicate wheel and clearance relationships. Restoration-minded buyers should confirm the truck’s DRW or SRW setup, wheelbase and GVWR grouping where relevant, and the actual wheels mounted on the vehicle. That keeps appearance decisions grounded in fitment reality rather than choosing a tire solely by what looks close at first glance.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat even when the wheel diameter remains 16.5 inches. Aftermarket wheels, changes from DRW to another setup, suspension alterations, steering-component changes, or body modifications can all influence which tire size is practical on the truck. That matters with heavy-duty fitments such as 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5.

A truck that has spent decades in service may not still match its original-style wheel and axle arrangement. Measuring the installed wheel width, checking wheel condition, and confirming steering and body clearance should happen before replacement tires are chosen. On DRW trucks, dual-wheel spacing deserves attention as well, since size and wheel changes can alter the relationship between the paired rear tires.

Before driving a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or rust issues, confirm the tire size matches the truck’s exact configuration, and verify proper inflation for the tire being used. The lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel mounting surfaces should also be checked carefully on a heavy-duty truck of this era.

Road readiness also depends on the rest of the truck. Steering play, suspension wear, brake condition, and alignment should be reviewed so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for other problems. A short, cautious test drive is a smart way to confirm tracking, clearance, and overall behavior, especially if the F-350 has been stored for long periods or recently returned to service.

A 950-16.5 tire on a collector 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger Lariat should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to aging as well as tread wear. This size appears on the covered SRW 4x2 and 4x4 applications, and like any collector-vehicle tire, it can spend long periods parked rather than wearing out through high mileage.

Stored trucks benefit from a clean, dry environment away from prolonged sun, excess heat, and ozone-producing equipment. It also helps to inspect sidewalls for cracking, look for bulges or cuts, and watch for slow air loss before each drive. Occasional use does not remove the need for maintenance, and a lightly driven heavy-duty pickup should still have its tires reviewed regularly before longer trips.