1987 Dodge Trucks D250 Tires

The 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 uses three primary tire sizes: 215/85R16, 235/85R16, and 750-16. The correct size depends on the truck's sub-model and GVWR rating, with the 6600 GVWR version using radial sizes, while the 7500 and 8510 GVWR versions can use either 235/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply.

That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact D250 configuration rather than assuming every three-quarter-ton Dodge truck used the same fitment. Checking the door information, the existing wheel setup, and the size already mounted on the truck helps narrow the choice before comparing brands, tread styles, or bias-ply versus radial construction.

The covered tire sizes for the 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 all use a 16-inch rim. That applies to the radial 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 sizes as well as the vintage 750-16 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though tire construction and section width can change between fitments.

Rim diameter is only the first part of the fitment check. Before changing from one D250 tire size to another, it also helps to confirm actual wheel width, especially when moving between a truck-style radial and a traditional 750-16 bias-ply, because tire profile, section width, and clearance can all change the way the truck sits and steers.

The 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across its GVWR-rated sub-models. The 6600 GVWR truck uses radial sizing only, while the 7500 GVWR and Heavy Duty 8510 GVWR versions can use 235/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, creating multiple correct fitment paths within the same model family.

That variation is typical of working trucks that were offered in more than one load-rated configuration. The practical takeaway is simple: identify the exact D250 version first, then confirm the wheels currently on the truck, especially if it has been updated over the years, because the truck may no longer be wearing the same construction or size it left with.

On the 1987 Dodge Trucks D250, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It appears on the higher-GVWR D250 (GVWR 7500) and D250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) applications, where it represents the traditional truck-tire sizing format in this lineup rather than a modern metric radial fitment.

That distinction matters because a 750-16 bias-ply tire has a different sizing language, wheel-width expectation, and visual character than a 235/85R16 radial. Owners choosing between them should confirm the wheel setup already on the truck and decide whether the goal is preserving a traditional heavy-duty presentation or using a radial construction already associated with those same higher-GVWR versions.

Either construction may be appropriate on a 1987 Dodge Trucks D250, but the answer depends on the truck's specific sub-model and wheel setup. The 6600 GVWR version uses radial sizes, while the 7500 GVWR and 8510 GVWR Heavy Duty versions can be matched with either 235/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply fitment.

A bias-ply choice usually suits owners who want a more traditional truck appearance or are keeping an older-style setup in place. A radial choice may appeal to owners staying with a modern truck tire format, but the decision should still include wheel-width compatibility, overall clearance, and whether the truck has been altered with different wheels, suspension parts, or previous fitment changes.

Start by confirming that the truck's sub-model is one that already uses a radial fitment path, then verify the wheel diameter and width before choosing a radial size. On the 1987 Dodge Trucks D250, the higher-GVWR versions can use either 750-16 bias-ply or 235/85R16 radial, so construction changes should still be matched carefully to the truck and wheel.

The next step is checking section width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around fenders, suspension, and steering components. It also helps to inspect the truck for aftermarket wheels or suspension changes, because an older D250 may have been modified over time, and those changes can influence whether a radial conversion remains practical on the current setup.

Begin with the exact fitment the truck uses: 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16. From there, compare construction type, intended use, and the character of the available tire, since this D250 can span truck-style radial fitment as well as traditional bias-ply options depending on GVWR and wheel setup.

A practical choice comes from matching the tire to how the truck is actually used. Some owners want a work-truck look with classic blackwall bias-ply designs, others want a whitewall presentation, and others need a radial truck tire format, so wheel compatibility and the truck's present configuration should guide the final decision.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 include raised white letter, blackwall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 235/85R16 radial option is available in raised white letter form, while the 750-16 bias-ply selection includes blackwall and wide whitewall styles across several classic and truck-oriented series.

That sidewall range gives the D250 owner a real appearance decision rather than a size-only decision. A blackwall usually suits a work-oriented or military-style truck presentation, a wide whitewall creates a more customized or restoration-minded look, and raised white letters bring a later truck flavor, but the style still needs to be matched to the correct tire size first.

BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA all have applicable tire offerings for the 1987 Dodge Trucks D250. BFGoodrich appears in both the 235/85R16 radial fitment and the 750-16 bias-ply range, while Firestone, Lester, and STA expand the 750-16 selection with classic blackwall, wide whitewall, and truck-oriented bias-ply options.

Brand choice matters most after the correct size and construction have been settled. Once that is established, compare each tire by sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification where stated, and the kind of presentation or use the truck needs, rather than choosing a brand name first and trying to force the fitment afterward.

A period-style 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 usually starts with the size and construction that match the truck's actual sub-model and wheel setup. For higher-GVWR trucks using 750-16, the available bias-ply options carry the most traditional visual character, while radial sizes such as 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 reflect the truck's later-era use of modern metric truck fitments.

The right appearance depends on whether the goal is a work-truck look, a cleaner restoration-oriented presentation, or a more customized finish. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewalls all create different visual results, so owners concerned with exact originality should compare surviving examples and truck-specific historical references before settling on a final combination.

Tire construction changes the stance and visual feel of a restored 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 even when the rim diameter stays at 16 inches. A 750-16 bias-ply presents the truck with a more traditional heavy-duty look, while 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 radial sizes give it a more modern metric truck-tire appearance.

That difference can be just as important as brand or tread when a restoration is meant to look cohesive. Sidewall style also plays a major role, since blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter treatments each push the truck toward a different visual era, so construction and sidewall should be considered together rather than as separate cosmetic details.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 even when the truck still uses a 16-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all change how well a 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16 tire works on the truck.

That is especially important on an older pickup that may have changed owners or uses over time. A quick fitment check should include wheel size, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the tire-to-suspension relationship at full turn and under load, rather than relying only on the fact that the size is associated with the correct D250 sub-model.

Before driving a 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and usable condition, then verify that the mounted tires match the intended size and construction. It also helps to check inflation pressure, lug hardware, valve stems, and basic clearance around the steering and suspension components.

A road-ready inspection should also include the rest of the truck, especially on a vintage three-quarter-ton pickup that may have sat for long periods. Brake condition, wheel-bearing play, alignment issues, suspension wear, and uneven stance can all affect how new tires behave, so the safest approach is to treat the tire installation as part of a broader pre-drive mechanical review.

Tires on a collector 1987 Dodge Trucks D250 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-use vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage, so visual inspection matters just as much as tread depth.

Good maintenance also means storing the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. Periodic movement, proper inflation, and prompt attention to any air-loss issue help preserve both radial and bias-ply tires, while owners preparing for a longer drive should add a close wheel, brake, and clearance check before heading out.