1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Tires

The 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 does not use one universal tire size across the full model range. Primary fitments include 185R14, 700-14, 195R14, E78-14, GR78-15, and G78-15, depending on the exact sub-model, with both radial and bias-ply constructions used across 14-inch and 15-inch wheels.

That means the first step is identifying the exact truck configuration, especially whether it is 4x2 or 4x4, regular bed or King Cab, and whether it uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. Once that is confirmed, the next decision becomes whether to stay with the original tire construction or compare any known radial-equivalent alternatives.

A 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 may use either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Many 4x2 versions and the 4x4 H.D. use 14-inch tire fitments, while certain 4x4 models use 15-inch sizes such as GR78-15 or G78-15.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else, because a correct 14-inch tire and a correct 15-inch tire are not interchangeable choices. It also helps to verify actual wheel width, especially when evaluating radial-equivalent sizes, since the truck may have had aftermarket wheels or later replacements installed over time.

The 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 has more than one tire size because its fitment changes by sub-model. Bed length, cab style, drivetrain, heavy-duty variants, and certain wheel packages split the lineup into several distinct tire specifications rather than one shared size.

That variation is common on compact trucks of this period, especially when 4x2 and 4x4 versions were built for different uses. A buyer should match the exact sub-model first and then confirm the wheel diameter currently on the truck, since a change in size often goes along with a change in construction type or rim diameter.

On the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720, 700-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. It is used on certain 4x2 models and represents the truck's primary fitment for those specific sub-models rather than a radial or modern metric tire size.

Keeping 700-14 preserves the original sizing format and the driving character associated with bias-ply construction. Owners considering a radial alternative should compare the available equivalents carefully, especially wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the front suspension and fenders, rather than assuming every 14-inch radial option will suit the same truck.

Radial equivalents for 700-14 on a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 include 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The associated recommended rim-width range for those equivalent options is 4 to 6 inches.

Those alternatives give different sizing formats and profile conventions while staying in the same general replacement discussion. The right choice depends on the truck's actual wheel width, the space available in the wheel opening, and whether the goal is to retain a more vintage stance or move toward a more modern radial presentation.

Before converting a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 from bias-ply to radial tires, confirm the exact original size, the actual wheel diameter, and the wheel width on the truck. Then compare the intended radial-equivalent size against the truck's clearance at the steering, suspension, and fender edges.

A construction change can also affect the truck's appearance and the way it sits on the wheel, so the visual goal matters as much as the raw size code. It is also wise to inspect springs, bushings, steering parts, and wheel condition first, since worn components can complicate a fitment change even when the size itself is appropriate.

Start with the exact sub-model and its primary tire size, because the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 uses multiple fitments across both 14-inch and 15-inch wheels. After that, the important comparisons are construction type, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the truck needs a passenger-style presentation or a more utility-oriented tire.

The best choice often depends on how the truck is used and how original-looking it needs to remain. A restored street truck may lean toward a whitewall or classic radial appearance, while a more work-focused or 4x4-oriented truck may call for a blackwall bias-ply or truck-specific series in the correct size.

Sidewall styles for 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. Some radial 185R14 options are offered in blackwall and narrow whitewall, while certain bias-ply sizes such as E78-14 and G78-15 include wide whitewall choices.

That gives the truck a broad range of visual directions, from a plain utility look to a more restoration-oriented presentation. Sidewall styling should be selected only after the correct tire size and construction have been established, since the appearance options vary from one fitment to another and are not universal across the full 720 lineup.

Brands available for 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 fitments include Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA. The actual brand choices depend on the tire size, with some sizes centered on classic passenger radials and others offered in bias-ply or truck-oriented series.

Brand choice should come after confirming the correct fitment, because not every size has the same assortment. Once the size is settled, the buyer can compare sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, load information where stated, and overall tire character instead of treating every brand name as if it applied across all 720 configurations.

A period-style 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 usually starts with keeping the exact primary tire size and construction used by the truck's sub-model. That may mean a numeric bias-ply size such as 700-14, an alphanumeric bias-ply such as E78-14 or G78-15, or one of the radial fitments used on certain 4x2 and 4x4 versions.

From there, the visual decision comes down to whether the truck should look more work-oriented or more dressed for street presentation. Buyers focused on exact authenticity should also compare the intended sidewall style and tire type against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific restoration sources before making a final selection.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1981 Nissan Trucks 720; it also changes the visual character of the truck. Bias-ply tires tend to preserve an older sizing format and traditional look, while radial sizes often give the truck a more modern visual impression even when the dimensions are kept close.

That difference matters most on trucks where the tire is a visible part of the overall restoration theme. Owners trying to hold onto a vintage presentation often stay with the original bias-ply format, while others choose a radial equivalent for road use and accept that the appearance may shift slightly from the truck's earlier look.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 even when the size code looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lifts or lowering, body alterations, and brake or hub conversions can all change the space available for the tire.

That is especially important on a truck with multiple factory fitments across 14-inch and 15-inch wheels. A modified 720 should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and actual wheel dimensions before moving forward, particularly if the tire choice involves a radial equivalent rather than the original primary size and construction.

Before driving a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm that the tire size matches the truck's sub-model, and verify that inflation is set appropriately for the tire in use. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and basic suspension condition.

A brief clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use, especially at full steering lock and over suspension movement. Collector trucks that sit for long periods also benefit from a close look at brake function, steering play, and uneven ride height, since those issues can affect how a new tire behaves once the truck is back in service.

Tires on a collector 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage use does not prevent aging, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread depth on an older pickup.

Storage also plays a role in long-term tire health. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires, while periodic movement prevents one area from carrying the load continuously. An inspection before longer drives is a smart habit for any lightly used vintage truck.