The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 came from a period when heavy-duty pickups were expected to work hard, tow confidently, and handle serious payload duty without losing their straightforward character. That makes tire selection especially important, because this truck sits right at the intersection of traditional truck fitment and more modern radial choices. Depending on the exact version, the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 uses 750-16 bias-ply, 215/85R16 radial, or 235/85R16 radial tires, all on 16-inch rims. Available choices range from truck-focused bias-ply designs to modern radial construction and different sidewall presentations. The right direction depends on your sub-model, wheel setup, intended use, and whether originality or road manners matters more.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350
Three tire sizes apply to the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them use a 16-inch rim, but fitment varies between DRW and non-DRW trucks, and between bias-ply and radial construction. The first step is confirming whether the truck is a dual rear wheel configuration or a single rear wheel model, then matching the tire size and construction to that setup.
215/85R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350, this size appears on DRW configurations and represents a more modern radial-style fitment within the truck's 16-inch wheel family. It is useful for owners who want to stay with the radial sizing used on those versions rather than moving to a vintage numeric bias-ply format. Wheel condition, dual-wheel spacing, and clearance should still be confirmed before installation.
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with 7.50 representing the tire's nominal section width in inches and 16 indicating the rim diameter. For the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350, this size is associated with DRW models that use a more traditional heavy-duty truck fitment. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall options as well as truck-oriented series such as NDT, Super Traxion, Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving a traditional truck appearance or matching an older-style wheel and use case.
235/85R16 is a metric radial size, meaning 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter. On the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350, this is the primary fitment for Base, XL, and XLT Lariat models outside the DRW configurations. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls, giving the truck a more modern radial presentation. This is the size to focus on when the goal is maintaining the non-DRW fitment while keeping the truck ready for regular road and utility use.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 because tire size changes with the truck's configuration. The most important distinction is between DRW models, which use either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, and non-DRW trucks, which use 235/85R16 radial.
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1986 Ford Trucks F-350 (DRW)
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 (DRW) uses either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims. That gives this version a clear construction choice, so the decision becomes whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply truck look or use the radial fitment tied to the dual rear wheel setup.
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 Base uses 235/85R16 radial tires on a 16-inch rim. Tire selection here is more straightforward, with attention centered on matching the correct radial size and confirming wheel width and overall truck condition before road use.
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 XL uses the same 235/85R16 radial fitment as the Base and XLT Lariat single-rear-wheel trucks. That makes the main selection factors product style, sidewall presentation, and wheel compatibility rather than choosing between multiple primary sizes.
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 XL (DRW) shares the DRW fitment pattern of 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply. Owners should confirm the existing wheel setup and whether the goal is a traditional heavy-duty bias-ply presentation or a radial configuration better aligned with later truck use.
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 XLT Lariat uses 235/85R16 radial tires on 16-inch rims. Since this fitment stays consistent within the non-DRW group, the key decision is choosing the right radial tire style and verifying that the truck still retains its intended wheel and suspension setup.
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 XLT Lariat (DRW) uses the same DRW tire choices as the other dual rear wheel versions: 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply. That means tire selection should start with the current wheel arrangement and then move to construction, load-oriented design, and appearance goals.
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 F-350 Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 tire choices center on 750-16 bias-ply and 235/85R16 radial fitments. The product range includes Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall, wide whitewall, raised white letter, classic bias-ply, military-style, highway, traction, and all-terrain options depending on size.
Common 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 16-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply versus radial construction, product style differences, and what to inspect before putting a working or collector truck back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
The 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 uses three primary tire sizes, depending on configuration: 215/85R16 radial, 750-16 bias-ply, and 235/85R16 radial. DRW versions use either 215/85R16 or 750-16, while Base, XL, and XLT Lariat single-rear-wheel trucks use 235/85R16.
The practical step is identifying the exact sub-model and checking whether the truck is dual rear wheel or not before choosing a tire. Even though every size here uses a 16-inch rim, construction, section width, and intended use are different enough that the correct fitment should be matched to the truck's wheel setup and current configuration.
What size rim does a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 are all built around a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 215/85R16 radial, the 750-16 bias-ply, and the 235/85R16 radial sizes associated with this truck.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a heavy-duty pickup. Wheel width still matters, and dual rear wheel spacing can matter just as much on DRW models. A truck that has had aftermarket wheels installed or has been converted from its original setup should have the wheel dimensions checked before ordering tires.
Do all 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Base, XL, and XLT Lariat trucks use 235/85R16 radial tires, while DRW versions use either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply tires.
That difference matters because the truck's rear-wheel configuration changes the fitment path. A buyer looking only at the year and model can easily miss the DRW distinction, so checking the exact sub-model name, wheel arrangement, and the tires already on the truck is the safest way to narrow down the correct replacement size.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size for the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350. It appears on DRW versions of the truck and is offered in several bias-ply styles, including classic blackwall and wide whitewall options as well as heavier-duty truck-oriented designs.
That means 750-16 should be approached as a traditional truck fitment rather than a modern radial size. Buyers considering this size should pay attention to rim-width compatibility, intended use, and whether the truck is being kept in a period-style configuration or driven in a way that makes staying with the original construction approach less important.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
The answer depends on which version of the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 you have and what you want from the truck. Non-DRW models use 235/85R16 radial tires, while DRW models can be matched with either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply depending on the setup being followed.
Construction choice affects more than appearance, so the decision should start with the actual wheel arrangement and how the truck will be used. A restoration-minded owner may want a traditional bias-ply presentation on a DRW truck, while a road-driven or utility-focused truck may point toward the radial fitments tied to the same 16-inch wheel diameter.
What should I check before choosing radial or bias-ply tires for a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
Start by confirming the truck's exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and whether it is a DRW or single-rear-wheel version. On this F-350, the construction choice is tied to size and configuration, so 750-16 bias-ply and 215/85R16 radial should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the wheel and truck setup.
The next step is to inspect wheel width, dual-wheel spacing where applicable, and the truck's clearance around suspension and body components. Tire age, load needs, and the condition of the existing wheels also matter on a heavy-duty pickup, especially if the truck has seen work use or has been modified over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
Begin with the exact fitment: 235/85R16 for non-DRW trucks, or 215/85R16 and 750-16 for DRW versions. After size and construction are confirmed, the next considerations are how the truck is used, whether a traditional bias-ply appearance matters, and whether the tire's specifications match the wheel and duty level.
A working truck and a restoration-oriented truck often point in different directions even when they share the same year and model. Comparing sidewall style, tire series, load figures where shown, and rim-width requirements will give a much better result than choosing by appearance alone, particularly on a one-ton pickup with real carrying and towing expectations.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter depending on tire size. The 750-16 bias-ply selections include blackwall and wide whitewall options, while the available 235/85R16 radial uses a raised white letter sidewall.
That gives the truck several very different visual directions. Blackwalls suit a straightforward work-truck look, wide whitewalls create a more stylized vintage presentation, and raised white letters add a later performance-truck feel. The right choice depends on the exact sub-model, the tire size it uses, and whether the truck is being kept stock-looking or personalized.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
Available tires for the 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 come from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA. Brand availability depends on size, with the broadest range appearing in 750-16 bias-ply and a BFGoodrich option available in 235/85R16 radial.
Brand name is only one part of the decision. The more useful comparison is how each option lines up with the truck's actual fitment, sidewall style, construction type, tire series, and intended use. Looking at those factors together helps narrow the choice between a traditional heavy-duty bias-ply design and a more modern radial truck tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
A period-style 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 usually starts with the tire size and construction used by that exact configuration. For DRW trucks, 750-16 bias-ply creates the most traditional presentation among the available choices, while single-rear-wheel models center on the 235/85R16 radial fitment.
Appearance goals should be balanced with how the truck will actually be used. A bias-ply truck tire can support a more vintage visual character, while a radial may better suit regular driving. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking vehicle-specific historical references and existing truck documentation before choosing brand or sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 quite a bit. A 750-16 bias-ply gives a more traditional truck look, especially in blackwall or wide whitewall form, while a metric radial such as 235/85R16 creates a more modern stance and sidewall presentation.
That difference matters most on trucks being restored for shows, vintage utility use, or a clearly period-inspired finish. Construction should still follow the proper sub-model fitment, but once that is established, the choice between bias-ply and radial can shape whether the truck reads as work-era traditional or more updated and road-oriented.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension lifts or drops, brake conversions, and body alterations can all change how a 16-inch truck tire sits and clears the vehicle.
That is especially important on DRW trucks, where wheel spacing and rear fitment are part of the overall setup. A truck that has been changed from its original configuration should have wheel dimensions, clearance at full steering travel, and rear spacing verified before new tires are installed, rather than relying only on the year and model name.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tires match the truck's correct size and configuration, and check inflation carefully. On an older heavy-duty pickup, it also makes sense to examine valve stems, lug hardware, wheel mounting surfaces, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.
A short test drive should follow once everything is installed and torqued properly. Pay attention to rubbing, uneven stance, unusual vibration, and how the truck behaves under braking and turning. On a DRW truck, visual confirmation of rear tire spacing is especially important before carrying a load or taking the truck on a longer trip.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 be maintained?
Collector-truck tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age even when tread wear looks minimal. A 1986 Ford Trucks F-350 that sees light seasonal use can still develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or internal aging if it sits for long periods.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and occasional movement can reduce stress from long stationary periods. Any sign of bulges, cuts, persistent pressure loss, or visible cracking deserves inspection before the truck returns to road duty.
