1986 Dodge Trucks W150 Tires

The 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 uses 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15 radial tires, depending on the sub-model. The Base model uses 235/75R15, while the W150 w/Snow Pkg. may use either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Both are 15-inch fitments, but they represent different tire formats and overall proportions.

That means the first step is identifying whether the truck is a Base model or a W150 w/Snow Pkg., then checking the wheels already installed. A 15-inch rim alone does not settle the question, because the two sizes differ in width and overall height. On any truck with aftermarket wheels or past changes, confirm the actual mounted size before choosing a replacement.

The primary tire fitments for the 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 are built for a 15-inch rim. Both 235/75R15 and 31X10.50R15 use that same wheel diameter, so the difference between the available tire sizes is not rim diameter but the tire's section width and overall profile.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage 4x4 pickup. Rim width still needs to match the tire being considered, especially if the truck wears the wider 31X10.50R15 setup. It is also smart to inspect the actual wheels on the truck, since many older W150s have been changed over to aftermarket steel or aluminum wheels over time.

No, 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 235/75R15, while the W150 w/Snow Pkg. can use 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Both are radial tires for 15-inch wheels, but the Snow Package broadens the fitment range.

That distinction matters because tire shopping for the Base truck is fairly straightforward, while the Snow Package truck requires an extra fitment check. A taller flotation-style tire can change the truck's stance and wheel requirements compared with a metric 235/75R15. Matching the replacement tire to the wheel size, wheel width, and the truck's current configuration helps avoid ordering the wrong format.

Start with the role the truck will play. On a 1986 Dodge Trucks W150, 235/75R15 is available in all-terrain and classic radial styles, with choices from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. The main differences are sidewall presentation, tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and stated load capacity.

A truck meant to keep a more traditional appearance may lean toward whitewall options, while a more utility-focused W150 may suit a raised white letter all-terrain. Wheel width should be checked against the individual tire before deciding, especially on a truck that may no longer have its original wheels. For regular road use, compare how the tire's appearance and specification match the way the truck is actually driven.

1986 Dodge Trucks W150 tires are available with several sidewall styles, including raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. In 235/75R15, those appearance choices are spread across classic radial and truck-oriented product lines. The 31X10.50R15 option is represented by a raised white letter BFGoodrich all-terrain tire.

That gives the truck very different visual directions even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A whitewall can push the W150 toward a custom, restored, or period-inspired presentation, while raised white letters suit a more rugged 4x4 character. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size is settled, since appearance never overrides the truck's actual fitment requirements.

Tires for the 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Most of that variety appears in 235/75R15, where the truck has the broadest mix of classic radial and all-terrain style options. The 31X10.50R15 fitment is represented by BFGoodrich.

Brand matters mainly because it often tracks with tire character, sidewall treatment, and series design rather than changing the required fitment itself. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare each brand's available sidewall style, rim-width specification, weight, and load figure. That approach keeps the decision centered on compatibility and intended use instead of choosing by name alone.

A period-style 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, then narrows the choice by overall look. For a Base truck, 235/75R15 opens the broadest range of styles, including traditional whitewall and more truck-oriented designs. A W150 w/Snow Pkg. may also use 31X10.50R15 for a taller, more aggressive light-truck presentation.

The best visual match depends on how the truck is being finished. Raised white letters support a rugged 4x4 character, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more custom or restoration-oriented appearance. Exact originality questions are best checked against period photos, dealer literature, or marque-specific references, especially if the truck is being restored to a very specific trim or regional look.

On the 1986 Dodge Trucks W150, the primary fitments are radial, so construction choice is less about bias-ply versus radial appearance and more about the tire format and sidewall treatment. A 235/75R15 classic radial with whitewalls gives a very different visual result from a 31X10.50R15 raised white letter all-terrain, even though both are correct fitment types for covered W150 configurations.

That makes size and sidewall styling the bigger appearance decisions on this truck. Restored examples aimed at a cleaner street presentation often read differently than trucks built around a more functional four-wheel-drive look. Before choosing on appearance alone, verify the sub-model, wheel width, and current truck setup so the finished stance looks intentional rather than mismatched.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Trucks W150. Even though the primary fitments use 15-inch rims, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lifts, lowering, or steering and fender alterations can change what works cleanly on the truck. That matters even more when comparing 235/75R15 with 31X10.50R15.

A modified W150 should be checked as it sits rather than assumed to match stock dimensions. Wheel width, backspacing, and tire clearance at full steering lock all deserve attention before replacement tires are chosen. Older trucks often pass through several owners, so a quick inspection of the existing wheel-and-tire package can prevent choosing a size that suits the catalog fitment but not the truck's current setup.

Before driving a 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation and a clean, even mounting on the wheel. On a four-wheel-drive truck, it is also wise to look over alignment-related wear points.

A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn tie-rod ends, loose wheel bearings, damaged shocks, or a wheel that is the wrong width for the chosen size. After installation, turn the steering from lock to lock and confirm there is no rubbing at the fenders, suspension, or inner wheelhouse. A short road test followed by a second pressure and hardware check is a sensible final step.

Tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Trucks W150 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and occasional movement of the truck so the tires are not left bearing weight in one position for long periods. Sidewalls and tread should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, especially on a truck that sees limited seasonal use.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older pickup. Keeping the W150 away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also worth checking the spare if the truck carries one, since collector trucks often have an aging spare that has seen little use but may no longer be roadworthy.