1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT Tires

The 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT uses one of three bias-ply tire sizes on a 16.5-inch rim: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5. The correct size depends on the exact truck configuration, with dual-rear-wheel versions using 800-16.5 or 875-16.5 and the covered single-rear-wheel 4x2 and certain 4x4 models using 950-16.5.

The key step is identifying the truck’s actual setup before ordering tires. A DRW truck should not be treated like an SRW truck, and a truck that has had wheels changed during its working life may no longer match its original-style configuration. Confirm the wheel arrangement, wheel diameter, and the size currently being used before choosing among available replacements.

The covered tire fitments for the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT all use a 16.5-inch rim diameter. That applies across the three primary sizes on this page: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. Even though the section widths vary, the wheel diameter remains the same throughout these listed fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on an older heavy-duty truck. Wheel width still matters, especially with 800-16.5 and 950-16.5 products that include rim-width guidance. A truck that has seen replacement service wheels should be measured and inspected before tire selection, because matching the 16.5-inch diameter alone does not confirm the full wheel is suitable.

More than one tire size appears because the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT was offered in different heavy-duty configurations. Dual-rear-wheel models use 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 fitments, while the covered single-rear-wheel 4x2 and certain 4x4 versions use 950-16.5. GVWR and wheelbase references also separate some of the covered applications.

That means trim name alone is not enough to choose a tire. The truck’s rear-wheel setup, GVWR classification, and whether the fitment is being considered by full configuration or by front and rear position all matter. On a work truck that may have had axle or wheel changes over the years, the actual hardware on the truck should guide the final selection.

Start by confirming that 950-16.5 is the correct size for the truck’s exact configuration. On this application, 950-16.5 is used on the covered single-rear-wheel 4x2 and certain 4x4 models, and available choices include STA Traxion and STA Super Transport in bias-ply blackwall form.

Once the size is confirmed, compare wheel-width compatibility, load-related specifications where they are stated, and the tire series that best matches how the truck will be used. A truck kept close to period style may favor a traditional commercial appearance, while a truck expected to see regular road use still needs its wheel condition, suspension health, and overall clearance checked carefully.

The available tires for the covered 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT fitments are from STA. Across the listed sizes, STA appears in several truck-oriented series, including Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. All of the applicable products here are bias-ply truck tires with blackwall sidewalls.

Since the brand choice is narrow, the more useful comparison is between size, series, and wheel compatibility rather than brand name alone. Pick the correct fitment first, then look at whether the tire’s series and specifications suit a dual-rear-wheel work truck, a single-rear-wheel setup, or a 4x4 that may have seen decades of use and modifications.

Three STA tire series appear across the covered sizes for the 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT: Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. They are all bias-ply truck tires in blackwall form, but they are not spread evenly across every size. The exact series options depend on whether the truck uses 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5.

That makes correct size confirmation the first part of series selection. After that, compare the available series within the right fitment and review wheel-width guidance or load information when it is stated. For a restoration-minded truck owner, series choice also affects the final visual impression, even when all options stay within a traditional heavy-duty bias-ply presentation.

A period-style approach starts with keeping the correct primary bias-ply size for the truck’s exact configuration. On this 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT, that means choosing among 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5 depending on whether the truck is dual-rear-wheel, single-rear-wheel, or one of the covered 4x4 versions.

Once the fitment is confirmed, the available STA blackwall truck tires maintain the right overall vintage work-truck character better than an unrelated modern metric substitute. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should still compare the truck’s current setup with period literature, photos, or marque-specific references, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or seen fleet-style service modifications.

On this truck, the primary fitments are all bias-ply sizes, and that construction plays a major role in the finished look of a restoration. A bias-ply truck tire in 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5 keeps the visual character aligned with the way a heavy-duty 1980 F-350 Ranger XLT would typically be presented in its era.

Appearance is not only about size; sidewall style and tread presentation matter too. The available products here stay within a blackwall commercial-truck look, which suits a utility-oriented restoration well. Even so, construction should not be chosen on looks alone, because wheel condition, intended use, and the truck’s actual DRW or SRW configuration remain just as important.

Yes. Wheel swaps, axle changes, suspension lifts, lowering, and conversions between single and dual rear wheels can all affect tire fitment on a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT. That matters here because the truck uses multiple primary sizes, and each size is tied to a specific type of heavy-duty configuration rather than to the trim name by itself.

A modified truck should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance before any replacement tire is chosen. Steering travel and rear-wheel spacing deserve attention as well, especially on DRW trucks. Even when the sidewall says 16.5, that alone does not confirm the same tire size or construction still makes sense for the current setup.

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, brake components, and suspension before putting a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT back into service on new tires. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure bead seating, and any signs of shipping or installation damage before the truck sees regular road use.

A heavy-duty vintage truck also deserves a careful clearance check at full steering lock and under load, particularly if it is a dual-rear-wheel model. Tire condition should then be monitored during the first few drives for air loss, rubbing, or unusual wear. Catching those issues early is especially important on older trucks that may have worn steering or suspension parts.

Collector-truck tires should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. On a 1980 Ford Trucks F-350 Ranger XLT, that advice applies whether the truck uses 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5, because all three are older-style bias-ply fitments often found on vehicles driven less frequently.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, ozone sources, excess moisture, and long periods on underinflated tires helps preserve both appearance and serviceability. A truck that sits for extended periods should have its tires inspected before every road outing, since age and inactivity can matter as much as tread depth.