The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 came from an era when compact pickups were valued for everyday utility, tidy dimensions, and straightforward mechanical character rather than sheer size. That makes tire selection especially important today, because the right fitment helps preserve both the truck’s stance and its easy-driving feel. This Ram 50 uses a 185R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, giving owners one primary size to focus on rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments. Within that size, there is still room to choose between blackwall and narrow whitewall presentations, along with Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein offerings. The real decision is matching appearance, intended road use, and wheel compatibility to the truck in front of you.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50
The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 uses one primary tire size: 185R14, a radial tire for a 14-inch rim. Both the Custom and Sport sub-models share that same fitment, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which version of that size best suits the truck’s appearance, wheel setup, and driving use.
A 185R14 size uses a nominal section width of 185 millimeters, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated in the size itself and is commonly associated with a traditional 80-series radial profile. For the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50, that keeps fitment straightforward while still leaving meaningful choice in brands and sidewall style, including blackwall and narrow whitewall options from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. It is a useful size for owners who want to stay with the truck’s original sizing format while choosing a tire that matches either a stock-looking or more restoration-oriented presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 sub-models. The Custom and Sport both use the same 185R14 radial size, so the key choice is the tire itself rather than a change in fitment from one sub-model to the other.
1
1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 Custom
The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 Custom uses the same 185R14 radial fitment found across this model range. That keeps selection focused on choosing the right brand, sidewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility for the actual wheels on the truck.
The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 Sport also uses a 185R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim. For this sub-model, the decision comes down to whether a blackwall or narrow whitewall presentation better matches the truck and how closely the wheel setup stays to stock dimensions.
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 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 options for the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radials, with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. Comparing the product grid is most useful for brand, appearance, tire series, and rim-width compatibility within this single fitment.
Owners of a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 usually want clear answers on the 185R14 fitment, 14-inch rim compatibility, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a compact vintage pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 uses a 185R14 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model, and it applies across the covered Custom and Sport sub-models, so there is one core size to match when replacing tires on the truck.
That makes selection simpler, but the truck should still be checked for actual wheel condition and size before purchase, especially if it has had aftermarket wheels installed over the years. Staying with 185R14 keeps the tire in the original sizing format, while the remaining choices come down to sidewall style, brand, and rim-width compatibility.
What size rim does a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 use?
The 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 uses a 14-inch rim with its 185R14 tire size. The tire size itself confirms the rim diameter, and the available products for this fitment are built around 14-inch wheel use.
Rim diameter is only one part of the check, though. Wheel width still matters, since available 185R14 products cover different approved rim-width ranges, such as 4.00 to 6.50 inches or 4.5 to 6.0 inches. Measuring the actual wheel helps avoid choosing a tire that is correct in diameter but less suitable for the truck’s present wheel setup.
Do all 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 Custom and Sport sub-models both use the same 185R14 radial tire size. There is no split here by sub-model, so tire shopping does not start with different factory size groups.
That consistency is helpful for buyers focused on replacing worn tires without changing the truck’s basic fitment. The main things to compare are sidewall appearance, brand, and whether the selected tire’s rim-width range matches the wheels currently on the vehicle. That matters most on trucks that may have seen wheel swaps, suspension work, or long-term storage.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R14 tire for a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
Start with the correct size, which is 185R14, and confirm that the tire is appropriate for a 14-inch wheel. From there, compare construction details within that fitment, sidewall appearance, brand preference, and the approved rim-width range of the specific tire you are considering.
A compact pickup like the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 often benefits from keeping the sizing format familiar and the presentation in scale with the truck. Blackwall choices suit a plain utility look, while narrow whitewall versions change the visual character. It also helps to compare weight and any stated load information if the truck still sees regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 tires?
The available 185R14 tires for a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 include both blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a choice between a simple, understated look and a more traditional appearance without changing the actual tire size.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision, but it can strongly influence how the truck reads visually. A blackwall tends to suit a straightforward driver or work-truck presentation, while a narrow whitewall can add a more vintage flavor. Matching the sidewall treatment to the truck’s paint, trim, and intended use usually leads to a more satisfying final look.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein all offer 185R14 tires for the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50. Within those brands, the available choices include Michelin MXV, Phoenix narrow whitewall styling, and Vredestein Sprint Classic, all in radial construction.
The useful comparison is not simply brand name alone, but how each tire is presented and specified. Some emphasize a blackwall touring look, while others offer narrow whitewall styling for a more vintage presentation. Checking rim-width compatibility and any load information alongside brand and appearance helps narrow the choice to the truck’s actual needs.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
A period-style approach for a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 starts by keeping the correct 185R14 sizing format and 14-inch rim relationship intact. From there, the best match depends on the kind of appearance you want, since available options include both blackwall and narrow whitewall radial tires.
A blackwall tire usually maintains a simple compact-pickup character, while a narrow whitewall can give the truck a more stylized, era-aware presentation. For buyers pursuing very exact restoration goals, the final choice should be checked against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific historical material rather than assuming any current sidewall style is automatically original.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
For the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50, the primary fitment is already radial, so staying with 185R14 radial construction keeps the truck in the tire type associated with this model’s fitment. The visible difference in a restoration-oriented result is more likely to come from sidewall style and tire design than from changing construction type.
That makes details like blackwall versus narrow whitewall especially important when the goal is a cohesive finished look. Even within the same size, tire series and sidewall treatment can shift the truck toward a plain driver presentation or a more curated vintage style. Wheel condition and stance should be checked too, since appearance depends on the full setup, not the tire alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50?
Yes. Even though the 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 uses a 185R14 tire, modifications can change how well that size works on the truck in practice. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or body alterations can all affect clearance and how the tire sits on the rim.
That is why the actual wheel dimensions and surrounding clearance should be checked before replacing tires, especially on an older pickup that may not still be in stock configuration. A 14-inch diameter match is essential, but it is not the whole story. Width, stance, and steering clearance all deserve attention before road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm proper mounting on the correct 14-inch rims, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It also helps to verify valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating.
A short clearance check at full steering lock is worthwhile, particularly if the truck has non-stock wheels or suspension changes. On a vehicle of this age, road readiness should also include a quick look at alignment condition, wheel-bearing feel, and any signs of rubbing. Catching those issues early helps the new 185R14 tires wear more evenly.
How should 185R14 tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 be maintained?
185R14 tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Trucks Ram 50 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and driven often enough to avoid long periods of neglect. Collector vehicles that sit for extended stretches can develop age-related tire issues even when tread looks acceptable.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older truck. Keeping the Ram 50 away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and periodic pressure checks are essential because slow air loss often goes unnoticed on low-use vehicles. A visual inspection before each longer drive is a sensible routine.
