The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II sits squarely in the compact SUV era, when smaller four-wheel-drive vehicles had become everyday transportation as much as weekend trail machines. Its short-wheelbase layout and upright styling give it a distinctly mid-1980s truck character, and tire choice plays a big role in preserving that look. For this model year, the Bronco II uses radial tires in either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 on 15-inch rims, depending on sub-model and setup. Available choices include traditional whitewall treatments, plus Goldline and Redline options in 205/75R15. The right pick comes down to confirming your exact Bronco II configuration, wheel size, and the appearance you want on the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires built for 15-inch rims. The key step is confirming your exact sub-model, since some versions use only 205/75R15 while others may use either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.
195/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II, this size gives a more compact overall package than 205/75R15 while keeping the same 15-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include Coker Classic and American Classic in Star Series and American Classic Radial lines, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. This size is worth considering when it matches your Bronco II’s sub-model and wheel setup and you want a traditional radial replacement with period-style sidewall choices.
205/75R15 is also a metric radial size, with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, and fitment for a 15-inch rim. This is the broader of the two Bronco II primary sizes and appears across more sub-model coverage for 1986. Product selection is much wider here, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, along with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, Goldline, and Redline sidewall styles. This size deserves a close look when your Bronco II is one of the versions that uses it and you want the broadest range of appearance and brand options.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II because tire sizing is not completely uniform across the range. Some versions can use either of the two primary radial sizes, while others are tied specifically to 205/75R15, so confirming the exact trim is the first step before comparing tires.
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1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II Base
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II Base can use either of the two primary radial tire sizes used on this model year. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, after which the decision becomes whether you want the smaller or wider fitment and which sidewall treatment best suits the truck.
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II Eddie Bauer uses the 205/75R15 radial fitment. That keeps the size decision straightforward and shifts attention to product details such as brand, whitewall width, or specialty sidewall styles like Goldline or Redline.
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II XLT may use either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 radial tires. Tire selection starts with confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the vehicle, then comparing appearance, rim-width compatibility, and available series within the matching size.
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II w/Snow Pkg. uses the 205/75R15 radial size. With only one primary size to sort out, the practical decision is choosing among the available radial products and deciding whether a whitewall or more distinctive sidewall style fits the truck’s presentation.
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 Ford Trucks Bronco II Tires for Sale
Available Bronco II tire choices center on 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 radial fitments, with brands including Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Buyers can compare series, whitewall widths, Goldline or Redline styling, and rim-width specs across the product grid.
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Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R15
These FAQs focus on the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II’s two radial tire sizes, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing sidewall style, wheel compatibility, and road-ready tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II?
The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II uses either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 radial tires, depending on sub-model and vehicle setup. Both sizes fit 15-inch rims, so the basic question is not wheel diameter but which of the two primary sizes belongs on your specific Bronco II configuration.
The Base and XLT versions may use either size, while the Eddie Bauer and w/Snow Pkg. versions use 205/75R15. A quick check of the current wheel and tire setup is important before ordering, especially on older trucks that may have changed wheels or replacement tires over time.
What size rim does a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II use?
The primary tire sizes for the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 use that same 15-inch wheel size, which simplifies fitment compared with vehicles that used more than one rim diameter in the same model year.
Rim diameter is only part of the check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing products across the two tire sizes, so it helps to confirm the actual wheel on the truck before choosing between the narrower 195 section width and the wider 205 section width.
Do all 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II does not have one universal tire size across every sub-model. Base and XLT versions may use either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while Eddie Bauer and w/Snow Pkg. versions use 205/75R15 radial tires.
That variation means the exact sub-model should be identified before comparing products. It also helps to inspect the truck itself, since many older SUVs have seen wheel swaps, suspension work, or simple replacement changes over the years that may not match the original sub-model fitment pattern.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/75R15 tire for a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II?
Start with the basics: confirm that 205/75R15 is the correct primary size for your Bronco II sub-model and wheel setup. Then compare the available radial choices by brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load figures where those details are shown.
This size has the broadest assortment on the Bronco II, including narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, Goldline, and Redline presentations. The best choice depends on whether the truck is being kept close to a period-style appearance, driven regularly, or being matched to a specific wheel width already on the vehicle.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in both 195/75R15 and 205/75R15. In 205/75R15, there are also Goldline and Redline options, which give the truck a more distinctive visual treatment than a standard whitewall presentation.
Appearance should be matched to the character of the vehicle and the way it is being finished. A simple whitewall often suits a restoration-oriented or traditional look, while Goldline or Redline can create a stronger custom-era impression without changing the underlying radial size used on the truck.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II?
Tires for the 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, depending on size. The 195/75R15 selection centers on Coker Classic and American Classic, while 205/75R15 opens up the broadest brand range.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare the series name, sidewall treatment, rim-width range, and load specification shown for the exact tire you are considering, since two tires in the same Bronco II size may still differ in appearance and wheel compatibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II?
A period-style 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II starts with using the correct primary radial size for the specific sub-model, either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15. From there, the visual decision usually comes down to sidewall treatment, with whitewall variations offering the most traditional presentation among the available choices.
Because this model year offers more than one size in the lineup, getting the fitment right matters as much as the sidewall look. Buyers aiming for a historically faithful finish should compare the truck against original paperwork, period photos, or marque-specific references before settling on one exact appearance detail.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II restoration because the truck’s stance and overall look are closely tied to its tire size. Using 195/75R15 when the vehicle belongs on 205/75R15, or the reverse, can change the visual balance even though both use 15-inch rims.
Fitment also affects practical details such as wheel-width compatibility and clearance around the truck’s suspension and body. A restoration-minded approach means confirming the exact sub-model first, then choosing a sidewall style and tire series that supports the finished appearance without assuming every 15-inch tire will present the same way.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II even when the truck still uses a 15-inch rim. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or fender changes can all influence how a 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 tire sits on the vehicle.
That is why the current setup matters more than assumptions based on model year alone. A Bronco II with changed wheels should be checked for steering clearance, suspension clearance, and sidewall-to-body space before a tire is selected, especially when moving between the narrower and wider primary size options.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the lug hardware seats properly, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the truck’s actual setup. It is also smart to check alignment condition, valve stems, and inflation pressure once the tires are mounted.
An older SUV should also be looked over for suspension wear, brake issues, and any rubbing at full steering lock or over bumps. A short test drive followed by a second inspection helps catch clearance or pressure issues early, before the truck is put into regular road use.
How should 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 tires on a collector 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II be maintained?
Collector-use tires on a 1986 Ford Trucks Bronco II should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even lightly driven trucks can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or slow air loss if they sit for long periods.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the Bronco II away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional movement of the vehicle helps avoid long-term stress in one contact patch area.
