1987 GMC Trucks R3500 Tires

The 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 uses three primary tire sizes depending on configuration: 235/85R16 radial, 215/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply. Single rear wheel and Bonus Cab applications in this group use 235/85R16, while dual rear wheel versions use 215/85R16, with 750-16 appearing on certain DRW front and rear fitments.

That means the right tire starts with identifying whether the truck is SRW or DRW and whether the position-specific DRW setup allows a radial or bias-ply choice. A 16-inch rim is common across these sizes, but the truck's actual wheel arrangement and current configuration should be confirmed before choosing a tire.

The tire fitments used on the 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 here all share a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to 235/85R16, 215/85R16, and 750-16, even though those sizes differ in construction style and intended application across SRW and DRW versions.

A shared rim diameter does not mean every 16-inch tire is automatically the right choice. Wheel width, dually spacing, and the truck's current wheel hardware still matter, especially if the truck has had replacement wheels or other changes during its service life.

The 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with the truck's configuration. Standard and Bonus Cab single rear wheel versions use 235/85R16 radial, while dual rear wheel versions use 215/85R16 radial, and certain DRW front and rear applications also allow a 750-16 bias-ply size.

The practical result is that tire selection is tied to how the truck is built rather than to the model name alone. Confirming SRW versus DRW, front or rear position where relevant, and whether the truck still carries the correct wheels helps narrow the search to the proper size and construction.

On the 1987 GMC Trucks R3500, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It appears on certain dual rear wheel front and rear applications, where it serves as a traditional numeric truck fitment alongside the metric radial 215/85R16 used on DRW configurations.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply 750-16 and a radial 215/85R16 are not the same construction, even though both relate to the same truck family and share a 16-inch rim diameter. Wheel compatibility, overall setup, and the owner's goals for use and appearance should all be reviewed before choosing between them.

The answer depends on the truck's exact configuration and the way it will be used. Many 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 applications in this group use radial sizes such as 235/85R16 or 215/85R16, while certain DRW front and rear applications also allow a 750-16 bias-ply option.

Radial selection is usually tied to the truck's later-era working fitment, while bias-ply may appeal more to owners seeking a traditional truck presentation in eligible DRW setups. The decision should be made after confirming wheel dimensions, position-specific fitment, and whether the truck is expected to prioritize restoration style or regular road service.

Start by confirming that the truck's specific sub-model actually allows both constructions. On certain dual rear wheel front and rear applications, the 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 can use either 750-16 bias-ply or 215/85R16 radial, so the first check is whether the truck matches that configuration.

After that, inspect wheel width, dually wheel spacing, tire-to-fender clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. A radial alternative should be evaluated as its own fitment choice rather than treated as an automatic swap, especially on an older one-ton truck that may have seen wheel or axle changes.

Begin with the exact fitment: 235/85R16 for the covered SRW and Bonus Cab applications, 215/85R16 for DRW versions, and 750-16 bias-ply on certain DRW front and rear positions. Once size is confirmed, the key factors become construction type, wheel compatibility, sidewall presentation, load-related specifications, and the truck's intended use.

A work-oriented road truck and a restoration-minded dually may not lead to the same tire choice even when both use a 16-inch rim. Looking at rim-width guidance, tread character, and whether the truck needs a modern radial or a traditional bias-ply appearance will usually narrow the decision quickly.

Sidewall styles on applicable 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 tires include raised white letter, blackwall, and wide whitewall depending on the size and tire series. The 235/85R16 radial offering uses an RWL sidewall, while 750-16 bias-ply options span blackwall truck patterns and several wide whitewall designs.

That makes sidewall treatment an important visual decision, especially on trucks being restored or styled for a more traditional look. A blackwall usually suits a straightforward commercial presentation, while wide whitewall choices shift the look considerably, so appearance should be matched carefully to the truck's overall build.

Applicable tires for the 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA. BFGoodrich appears in the 235/85R16 radial size and also among 750-16 bias-ply offerings, while Firestone, Lester, and STA broaden the 750-16 choices with different classic and truck-oriented series.

Brand choice should be treated as part of the overall fitment decision rather than the starting point. Once the correct size and construction are confirmed, comparing tire series, sidewall style, rim-width range, and load-related specs usually gives a clearer picture of which product best matches the truck's intended character.

A period-style choice depends on the truck's exact configuration and the look being pursued. For eligible dual rear wheel front and rear applications, 750-16 bias-ply gives the 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 the most traditional presentation, while 235/85R16 and 215/85R16 radials keep the truck in a more modern late-1980s working-truck direction.

Bias-ply options in 750-16 also open the door to more visual variety, including blackwall and wide whitewall treatments. If exact originality matters, the safest approach is to verify the truck's historical details through model-specific references or marque sources before settling on a particular sidewall or tire series.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1987 GMC Trucks R3500; it also changes the truck's visual character. A 750-16 bias-ply on an eligible DRW setup brings a more traditional truck look, while metric radials such as 235/85R16 or 215/85R16 give the truck a later, more contemporary service appearance.

Sidewall style then shapes that impression even further. Blackwall tires keep the presentation straightforward and utilitarian, while wide whitewalls make a much stronger styling statement, so the tire should complement the truck's restoration direction instead of competing with it.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered dually hardware, suspension work, or body modifications can all change clearance and the way a tire sits on the truck.

That matters most on a one-ton truck where SRW and DRW setups already create different fitment paths. Any truck with non-original wheels or suspension changes should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and dual-wheel spacing before settling on 235/85R16, 215/85R16, or 750-16.

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall suspension and steering condition before putting a 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 back on the road with new tires. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire being used, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, even wear, and any immediate air loss.

Older work trucks also deserve a close look at alignment-related wear and any interference at full steering lock or under load. On DRW models, rear wheel spacing and matching tire setup are especially important, since the truck depends on the correct dual-wheel arrangement as much as the correct nominal tire size.

Tires on a collector 1987 GMC Trucks R3500 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the truck spends long periods parked. Storage conditions matter as much as mileage, since age and environment can affect a low-use truck long before tread wear becomes the main concern.

Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve tire condition. It also pays to confirm pressure periodically and look over the wheels and suspension at the same time, because a stored one-ton truck can develop fitment or condition issues that are easy to miss.