The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 sits in the era when one-ton pickups were expected to work hard, carry serious load, and spend more time on job sites and back roads than at car shows. That heavy-duty role makes tire choice on this truck especially important, because fitment depends on the exact D350 configuration rather than a single universal size. The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 uses 16.5-inch tires in both bias-ply and radial forms, with 8.00R16.5 or 800-16.5 used on the DRW model and 9.50R16.5 or 950-16.5 used on the Base model. The key is matching the truck's sub-model, wheel setup, and intended use before choosing between traditional bias-ply and radial construction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350, and the correct choice depends first on identifying the exact sub-model. All of these tires fit 16.5-inch rims, but the DRW and Base versions use different widths and each configuration appears in both bias-ply and radial construction. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the original construction type already on the truck or evaluate an alternative within the correct size family.
8.00R16.5 is a vintage radial truck size in which the 8.00 identifies the nominal section width and the R indicates radial construction, with 16.5 designating the wheel diameter. On the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350, this size is used on the DRW configuration and gives that truck a radial option within its proper 16.5-inch fitment family. Its closest decision point is not sidewall treatment, since the overall presentation remains truck-oriented, but whether the truck should remain in radial construction or be matched to a bias-ply setup already in place. This size should be checked against the truck's actual wheel and axle configuration before replacement.
800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck tire size, with the 800 representing an approximate 8.00-inch nominal section-width class and 16.5 indicating the rim diameter. For the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350, this size belongs to the DRW version and keeps the truck in a traditional bias-ply construction commonly associated with older heavy-duty applications. Available choices in this size include STA Super Transport and STA Traxion, both in Blackwall form and both aimed at military and truck use. This is the size to consider when maintaining a more traditional truck-tire presentation on the correct DRW wheel setup.
9.50R16.5 is a vintage radial truck size that uses 9.50 as the nominal width designation, followed by R for radial construction and 16.5 for wheel diameter. On the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350, this size is used on the Base model rather than the DRW version, so it should not be treated as universal across every D350 configuration. Its main relevance is giving the Base truck a radial-format choice while staying on the correct 16.5-inch rim diameter. Buyers should confirm the truck's exact model and wheel width before selecting this wider radial fitment.
950-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck tire size, with the 950 code indicating a nominal 9.50-inch width class and the 16.5 identifying the rim diameter. This size is used on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 Base model and keeps the truck in a heavy-duty bias-ply configuration appropriate to its 16.5-inch wheel fitment. Available options include STA Traxion and STA Super Transport, both Blackwall truck tires with rim-width guidance in the 6.50- to 6.75-inch range. It is the practical choice when the goal is to retain a traditional bias-ply truck tire in the correct wider Base-model size.
Tire fitment on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 varies by sub-model, even though every version here uses a 16.5-inch rim. Checking whether the truck is the DRW model or the Base model matters first, because that determines the correct width family and whether you are comparing the right bias-ply and radial options.
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1981 Dodge Trucks D350 (DRW)
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 (DRW) uses the narrower 8.00-size family, available as either 8.00R16.5 radial or 800-16.5 bias-ply. That means the tire decision centers on retaining the correct DRW size first, then choosing the construction that best suits the truck's current setup and intended use.
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 Base uses the wider 9.50-size family, with a choice of 9.50R16.5 radial or 950-16.5 bias-ply. Tire selection here should start with confirming the Base-model wheel and size family, then comparing the available truck-oriented bias-ply options or staying with radial construction.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 tire choices focus on bias-ply truck applications from STA, with Super Transport and Traxion series offered in Blackwall form. The main product comparison points are the correct D350 size family, tire series, construction, and the rim-width specifications attached to the 800-16.5 and 950-16.5 options.
Common 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 16.5-inch wheel confirmation, bias-ply versus radial construction, and choosing the right truck tire for restoration-minded use or regular road service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
A 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 does not use one universal tire size across every configuration. The DRW model uses either 8.00R16.5 radial or 800-16.5 bias-ply, while the Base model uses either 9.50R16.5 radial or 950-16.5 bias-ply. All four sizes are built for 16.5-inch rims.
The first step is confirming whether the truck is a DRW or Base model, because the width family changes with the sub-model. After that, check the actual wheel diameter and current construction type on the truck so the replacement stays within the proper size range and matches the intended use.
What size rim does a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 in this fitment group are all built for a 16.5-inch rim. That includes the narrower 8.00-size family and the wider 9.50-size family, each offered in both radial and bias-ply construction depending on sub-model and tire choice.
Rim diameter still needs to be confirmed on the truck itself, especially if it has changed hands or seen work-truck modifications over the years. A 16.5-inch tire should only be matched to a 16.5-inch wheel, and wheel width should also be checked before selecting a replacement in either the 8.00 or 9.50 family.
Do all 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 sub-models covered here use different tire-size families. The DRW version uses 8.00R16.5 or 800-16.5, while the Base version uses 9.50R16.5 or 950-16.5. Both stay on 16.5-inch rims, but the width class and corresponding tire choice are different.
That difference matters because a tire that belongs to one D350 configuration should not be assumed to suit another just because the rim diameter matches. Identifying the exact sub-model first helps narrow the search to the correct size family, then lets you compare radial and bias-ply options more accurately.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-16.5 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
800-16.5 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350. It belongs to the DRW model's 8.00-size family, while the radial version of that same general size family is 8.00R16.5. The construction difference is signaled by the R in the radial size and its absence in the bias-ply size.
That distinction matters when replacing only one tire or keeping a matched set on the truck. Bias-ply and radial tires have different construction characteristics, so the safer approach is to verify what is already mounted, confirm the wheel size and width, and decide whether the truck should remain consistent in construction.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
Either bias-ply or radial construction can be correct for a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350, depending on the exact sub-model and the size family being used. The DRW model appears with 8.00R16.5 radial or 800-16.5 bias-ply, and the Base model appears with 9.50R16.5 radial or 950-16.5 bias-ply.
The better choice depends on how the truck is used and whether the goal is to preserve a more traditional truck-tire presentation or maintain a radial setup already on the vehicle. A construction change should also prompt a wheel-width check, along with a look at clearance, suspension condition, and overall tire matching across the truck.
What should I check before converting my 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the truck's exact sub-model and staying within the correct size family: 8.00 for the DRW version or 9.50 for the Base version. The rim diameter must remain 16.5 inches, and the wheel width should be verified before moving from an 800-16.5 or 950-16.5 bias-ply tire to the corresponding radial format.
A conversion is more than a simple size match, because the truck's actual wheels, suspension condition, and clearance all affect the final result. It also helps to inspect the entire set rather than replacing one tire in isolation, especially on a heavy-duty truck where balanced construction and proper wheel compatibility matter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
Begin with the truck's exact sub-model, because the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 uses two different size families. The DRW version uses 8.00R16.5 or 800-16.5, while the Base version uses 9.50R16.5 or 950-16.5. Construction type, 16.5-inch rim fitment, and intended truck use all matter once the size family is confirmed.
After size and construction are settled, compare details that affect how the tire suits the truck, such as series, rim-width compatibility, load figures where shown, and overall tire character. A work-oriented truck may prioritize staying close to its existing heavy-duty setup, while a restoration-minded truck may place more emphasis on traditional appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
The available bias-ply tire options for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 are from STA. In the 800-16.5 and 950-16.5 sizes, STA appears in Super Transport and Traxion series, both presented as Blackwall truck tires. Those choices keep the focus on traditional heavy-duty replacement rather than passenger-car styling.
Since the brand selection here is concentrated, the real comparison is between the correct size family and the tire series that suits the truck's intended role. It also helps to compare the stated rim-width range and load specification where shown, especially on a one-ton pickup expected to carry meaningful weight.
What tire series are available for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
The product assortment for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 includes STA Super Transport and STA Traxion in the applicable bias-ply truck sizes. Both series are offered in Blackwall form for the D350's 16.5-inch heavy-duty fitments, covering the 800-16.5 and 950-16.5 size families tied to the truck's sub-models.
Choosing between series starts with the correct sub-model and size, then moves to the tire's intended role and wheel requirements. Looking at the series alongside rim-width guidance, weight, and any stated load capacity can help narrow the choice without drifting away from the proper D350 fitment family.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
A period-style 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 usually starts with the correct 16.5-inch size family for the truck's exact sub-model. That means 8.00R16.5 or 800-16.5 for the DRW version, and 9.50R16.5 or 950-16.5 for the Base version. Bias-ply tires often align more closely with a traditional heavy-duty truck presentation.
Appearance should be balanced with how the truck will actually be used. A restoration-minded owner may prefer bias-ply construction and a simple Blackwall look, while a truck driven more regularly may stay with radial construction in the same size family. Exact originality calls for truck-specific historical references beyond size alone.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 restoration because the truck does not rely on one universal size. The proper width family changes between the DRW and Base models, even though both use 16.5-inch rims. Construction choice also shapes the truck's stance and overall visual character.
A truck can look noticeably different when the wrong width family or construction is used, especially on a heavy-duty pickup with open wheel openings and work-truck proportions. Matching the sub-model first, then choosing an appropriate bias-ply or radial presentation, keeps the restoration focused on fitment rather than just finding any 16.5-inch tire.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 even when the tire size appears close to the original specification. Changes to wheels, wheel width, suspension height, axle setup, or body clearance can alter how an 8.00-size or 9.50-size tire sits and moves on the truck.
A modified truck should be checked at the wheel rather than judged by the badge alone. Measuring the actual rim diameter and width, then inspecting clearance at steering and suspension travel, helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the factory size family on paper but conflicts with the truck's current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 16.5-inch diameter, check that the chosen tire matches the truck's DRW or Base size family, and look over the valve stems and wheel condition. Tire pressure should also be set appropriately for the tire and the truck's intended use.
A short, careful road test is worthwhile after installation to confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or steering interference. It also makes sense to recheck air pressure and lug security after the first miles, especially on an older heavy-duty truck where wheel condition and hardware deserve as much attention as the tire itself.
How should tires on a collector 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1981 Dodge Trucks D350 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Older trucks often spend long periods parked, which makes pressure checks and visual inspections more important than mileage alone might suggest.
Storage conditions matter as much as road use on a low-mile truck. Keeping the D350 away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, while periodic movement prevents long-term flat spotting. Any truck that has sat for extended periods deserves a careful inspection before returning to regular road use.
