The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron sits squarely in the front-wheel-drive Chrysler lineup of the mid-1980s, a period when comfort, style packages, and trim-specific equipment could noticeably change the look and stance of the car. That matters when choosing tires, because this exact LeBaron range uses four different radial sizes: 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 185/75R14, and 205/60R15. Some versions stay with 14-inch fitment, while the Sport Handling Package moves to a 15-inch wheel and lower-profile tire. Available choices also vary by blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styling. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then moves to appearance and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Most versions use 14-inch radial tires, but the Sport Handling Package uses a 15-inch radial, so confirming the actual wheel size is the first step before comparing tire style, sidewall appearance, or product series.
A 185/70R14 tire uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron, this is one of the core fitments for standard 14-inch wheel applications and appears across more than one sub-model. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with series ranging from Silvertown Radial to Sport Classic and Sprint Classic. This size suits owners who need to stay with the 14-inch setup while choosing between a cleaner touring look and a more restoration-oriented presentation.
A 195/70R14 keeps the same 14-inch rim diameter as other LeBaron fitments, but it uses a wider 195-millimeter section width with a 70-series profile and radial construction. On the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron, this size is used on certain GTS and Mark Cross applications rather than across the full model line. The available product selection centers on a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, which gives this size a more focused, performance-leaning appearance than the whitewall-oriented options found in some other LeBaron sizes. This is the size to evaluate when the car already has the corresponding 14-inch wheel and trim-specific fitment.
A 185/75R14 tire combines a 185-millimeter nominal width with a taller 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron, this size is tied to the Limousine, making it a distinct fitment even though it shares the same wheel diameter as other 14-inch versions. Product choices in this size lean strongly toward traditional appearance, with narrow whitewall offerings from Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar across series such as Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106. It is the right size to consider when preserving the Limousine’s specific stance and whitewall character matters as much as basic diameter match.
A 205/60R15 uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a lower 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron, this size belongs to the Sport Handling Package, so it should not be confused with the 14-inch fitments used elsewhere in the range. Product choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich, covering series such as Primacy 3, Star Series, and Radial T/A. This size is the natural place to start when the car has the factory-style 15-inch sport-oriented wheel setup and the owner wants either a sharper profile or a distinct period-style look.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron because tire size is not the same across the full range. Some versions share a 14-inch size, while others use a different 14-inch profile or move to a 15-inch wheel, so identifying the exact sub-model prevents choosing the wrong tire category.
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1986 Chrysler LeBaron Base
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Base uses a 14-inch radial fitment built around 185/70R14. Tire selection here is less about sorting through multiple primary sizes and more about choosing the sidewall style and tire series that match the car’s appearance and driving use.
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron GTS uses either 185/70R14 or 195/70R14, both in radial construction on 14-inch wheels. That makes wheel and existing tire confirmation especially important before replacement, since the correct choice depends on the actual setup already on the car.
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Limousine uses 185/75R14, a distinct 14-inch radial size with a taller profile than other LeBaron applications. Tire selection often centers on maintaining the proper visual balance of the car, especially because available choices in this size emphasize narrow whitewall styling.
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross uses either 185/70R14 or 195/70R14 in radial construction. Verifying the wheel and current size first keeps the replacement process straightforward, then the decision shifts to whether the car should wear a blackwall or more traditional whitewall-style presentation.
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Sport Handling Pkg. uses 205/60R15, setting it apart from the 14-inch fitments found on other sub-models. That means confirming the 15-inch wheel is essential, after which the main choice becomes profile and appearance, including blackwall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter options.
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 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Chrysler LeBaron tires span 14-inch and 15-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Depending on size, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styling across several touring and classic-oriented tire series.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs focus on the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron’s trim-specific tire sizes, 14-inch versus 15-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, sidewall styles, and the checks worth making before putting a collector-era Chrysler back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron?
The 1986 Chrysler LeBaron uses four different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model: 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 185/75R14, and 205/60R15. Base models use 185/70R14, the Limousine uses 185/75R14, the Sport Handling Package uses 205/60R15, and GTS and Mark Cross applications can use either 185/70R14 or 195/70R14.
The practical first step is identifying the exact sub-model and checking the wheel diameter already on the car. A 14-inch LeBaron and a 15-inch Sport Handling Package car do not use the same tire, and even among 14-inch versions, the profile and width can differ enough that replacement should begin with the tire sidewall or wheel size confirmation.
What size rim does a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron use?
A 1986 Chrysler LeBaron uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the version of the car. The 185/70R14, 195/70R14, and 185/75R14 sizes all mount on 14-inch wheels, while the 205/60R15 size uses a 15-inch wheel for the Sport Handling Package.
That distinction matters before looking at brands or sidewall styles, because tire diameter at the wheel must match exactly. A quick check of the current tire sidewall, the wheel itself, or the sub-model can keep a replacement search on track and prevent choosing a tire that belongs to a different LeBaron configuration.
Do all 1986 Chrysler LeBaron sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1986 Chrysler LeBaron sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base uses 185/70R14, the Limousine uses 185/75R14, the Sport Handling Package uses 205/60R15, and both the GTS and Mark Cross can use either 185/70R14 or 195/70R14.
That variation means a LeBaron owner should not choose tires by model name alone. The safest path is to confirm the exact sub-model and then verify the actual wheel and current tire size on the car, especially on vehicles that may have had wheel swaps or trim changes during decades of use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 1986 Chrysler LeBaron sub-model, then narrow the choice by wheel diameter, sidewall style, and the character of the available tire series. This matters because the LeBaron range spans multiple 14-inch radial sizes plus a distinct 15-inch Sport Handling Package fitment.
After size is confirmed, the decision becomes more personal. A blackwall can suit a cleaner late-1980s touring look, while narrow or wide whitewalls can push the car toward a more classic presentation. It also helps to compare rim-width compatibility and load figures where shown, particularly if the car has aftermarket wheels or will see regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Chrysler LeBaron tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter depending on the tire size. The available style depends heavily on the specific fitment, with 185/75R14 centered on narrow whitewalls and 205/60R15 offering the broadest visual range.
That makes sidewall style a meaningful part of the buying decision, not just a cosmetic detail. The right choice should still begin with the correct tire size, but once size is settled, the sidewall can shape whether the car reads as formal, sporty, or restoration-oriented without changing the underlying radial construction.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron?
1986 Chrysler LeBaron tire options include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with the broadest selection appearing in 185/70R14 and a focused single-option listing in 195/70R14.
Brand choice is most useful after confirming the correct fitment, because different sizes bring different mixes of appearance and series options. Instead of treating the decision as a brand contest, compare each tire by size, sidewall presentation, rim-width compatibility, and how closely its overall look matches the way the LeBaron will be driven and presented.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Chrysler LeBaron?
A period-style 1986 Chrysler LeBaron tire starts with the correct trim-specific size, then moves to sidewall presentation that suits the car’s character. Whitewall options appear in 185/70R14, 185/75R14, and 205/60R15, while blackwall choices are also available for owners who want a more understated late-1980s look.
The best visual match depends on whether the car is being preserved as a formal trim package, a sporty version, or a general-use collector car. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references or surviving vehicle documentation, but the correct size remains the foundation for any restoration-oriented tire decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Chrysler LeBaron?
On the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron, the primary fitments are radial across all listed sizes, so appearance differences come more from profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment than from a bias-ply versus radial decision. A 14-inch whitewall LeBaron presents very differently from a 15-inch raised white letter Sport Handling Package car.
That means restoration appearance starts with matching the correct size to the correct sub-model before focusing on styling details. Once the fitment is right, the sidewall choice can reinforce either a more formal Chrysler presentation or a more performance-oriented one without stepping outside the LeBaron’s proper radial-era character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron even when the replacement tire is one of the correct factory-type sizes. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, lowering, suspension wear, or body and fender alterations can change the clearance available around a 14-inch or 15-inch tire package.
That is especially important on GTS, Mark Cross, and Sport Handling Package cars, where more than one size or wheel diameter may already be part of the conversation. A modified LeBaron should be checked for steering clearance, suspension travel, and actual wheel dimensions before settling on a tire that may belong to a different trim configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s actual setup, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.
A careful road-use check should also include clearance at full steering lock, especially if the car has non-original wheels or trim-specific equipment. After the first drives, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven wear so the new tires can settle in without creating avoidable fitment problems.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Chrysler LeBaron be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Chrysler LeBaron should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even a car that covers very few miles can develop cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or slow air loss over time, particularly if it spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires’ condition, and occasional inspection of tread and sidewalls makes it easier to catch problems before a longer drive or seasonal return to the road.
