The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy sits in the compact SUV era when buyers wanted pickup-based utility in a more enclosed, everyday-friendly package. Its short-wheelbase truck roots gave it a distinctly practical character, but trim and package differences could change the way the vehicle looked and sat on the road. For this model year, the S15 Jimmy uses radial tire fitments in 195/75R15, 205/75R15, or 235/75R15 depending on configuration. That opens the door to different visual treatments, from narrow and wide whitewalls to redline, goldline, and raised white letter styles in several series and brands. The right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and then matching the tire's look and proportions to the vehicle's intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy
Three tire sizes apply to the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All use radial construction on a 15-inch rim, but the fitment changes between most trim levels and the w/Z71 Pkg. model. The first step is confirming the sub-model, then choosing among the available brands, sidewall styles, and tire series within the correct size.
Fit(s): Base, Gypsy, High Country, and Sierra Classic
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
195/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, this size is part of the standard radial fitment range used on several sub-models. Available choices include Coker Classic and American Classic offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations in Star Series and American Classic Radial lines. This size is worth considering when your Jimmy's trim level calls for the narrower tire profile and a more restrained period-style look.
Fit(s): Base, Gypsy, High Country, and Sierra Classic
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/75R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 205-millimeter nominal width, a 75-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, it is a primary fitment on several non-Z71 sub-models and represents a slightly broader option within the same basic radial format. Product choices are especially varied here, with BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar options spanning narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and more traditional sidewall treatments. This size gives the buyer the widest range of appearance choices once the correct trim-level fitment has been confirmed.
235/75R15 is a larger metric radial size, with 235 showing the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 indicating the aspect ratio, and 15 marking the rim diameter. On the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, this size is tied to the w/Z71 Pkg. configuration rather than the other covered sub-models. The available assortment includes raised white letter all-terrain styling as well as narrow and wide whitewall choices from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. This is the size to evaluate when the Jimmy carries the Z71 package and you want to preserve the proper overall stance and visual character.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy because most trims share two possible tire sizes, while the w/Z71 Pkg. uses a different one. Identifying the exact trim before choosing a tire keeps the selection focused on the right proportions, sidewall options, and intended presentation.
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1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Base
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Base uses radial fitment in either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 on a 15-inch rim. That means the decision is less about construction and more about confirming the wheel setup, then choosing the sidewall treatment and tire series that best matches the vehicle's appearance.
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Gypsy also falls within the 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 radial fitment range. Once the exact installed wheel and tire setup is verified, the buyer can compare whitewall widths and available series to land on a more traditional or more distinctive visual style.
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy High Country uses the same radial size range as the other non-Z71 trims, with 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 applicable. Tire selection here comes down to confirming which size is already on the vehicle and then choosing the brand, sidewall style, and overall presentation that suits the truck.
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Sierra Classic shares the 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 radial fitment range used across the standard trim group. That makes it important to verify the actual wheel-and-tire combination on the vehicle before selecting among the many available whitewall, redline, goldline, and series options.
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15 radial tires rather than the narrower sizes found on the other covered sub-models. That changes both the tire's visual presence and the product mix, so this package should be confirmed before comparing whitewall, raised white letter, or all-terrain style options.
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 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Tires for Sale
Available 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tires center on radial choices in 195/75R15, 205/75R15, and 235/75R15 from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. The product grid is especially useful for comparing sidewall treatments, tire series, and rim-width specifications within the correct size.
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Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R15
These 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tire FAQs focus on size by sub-model, 15-inch rim fitment, radial tire choices, sidewall style options, and the practical checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy uses three possible tire sizes: 195/75R15, 205/75R15, and 235/75R15. The first four covered sub-models—Base, Gypsy, High Country, and Sierra Classic—use either 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while the w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15.
That means the right starting point is identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming what wheel-and-tire combination is already on the vehicle. Many older trucks and SUVs have seen wheel changes over time, so checking the current setup helps avoid choosing a size that changes the intended stance or clearance.
What size rim does a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy use?
The tire fitments for the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy all use a 15-inch rim diameter. That remains consistent across 195/75R15, 205/75R15, and 235/75R15, even though the section width and overall tire dimensions change from one size to another.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify wheel width before choosing a tire. Product options within these sizes support different rim-width ranges, and that matters when comparing a narrower whitewall passenger-style tire against a wider truck-oriented or all-terrain style option.
Why does the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy because fitment changes by sub-model and package. Base, Gypsy, High Country, and Sierra Classic use 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while the w/Z71 Pkg. moves to the larger 235/75R15 size.
In practical terms, the vehicle should not be treated as a one-size-fits-all application. Package differences, replacement wheels, and past owner changes can all affect what is currently mounted, so matching the tire to the exact configuration is more useful than choosing by year and model name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
Start with the correct size for the sub-model: 195/75R15, 205/75R15, or 235/75R15. From there, compare radial construction details, compatible rim-width ranges, maximum load figures where stated, and the vehicle's intended use, whether that means a stock-looking street truck, a restoration-minded SUV, or a more utility-focused setup.
Appearance plays a large role on this model because available tires include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and raised white letter styles. Choosing among them is less about finding a universally right answer and more about matching the tire's look and proportions to the Jimmy's trim, stance, and use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and RWL, which is raised white letter. The exact mix depends on tire size, with 205/75R15 offering the broadest visual variety and 235/75R15 including both whitewall and raised white letter options.
That makes sidewall style an important part of the tire decision, especially on a compact SUV from the late 1980s where appearance can shift from upscale and traditional to more truck-oriented. Once the correct size is confirmed, the sidewall treatment helps set the overall character without changing the basic radial fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
The 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy has tire options from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability varies by size, with 205/75R15 and 235/75R15 offering the broadest mix across different series and sidewall treatments.
Comparing brands makes the most sense after the proper size has been settled. At that point, the more meaningful differences are usually series character, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and whether the tire suits the kind of presentation you want the Jimmy to have.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
A period-style 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy starts with the correct radial size for the exact sub-model, then narrows the choice by sidewall treatment and overall presentation. Whitewall options in 195/75R15, 205/75R15, and 235/75R15 can create a more traditional look, while 235/75R15 RWL tires give the Z71 package a more truck-focused character.
The most convincing result usually comes from matching tire size, sidewall style, and stance rather than chasing one detail in isolation. When exact originality matters, compare the vehicle's surviving equipment, period photos, and marque-specific reference material before settling on a particular brand or stripe treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
On the 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself already aligns with the vehicle's era. The visible differences come more from section width, sidewall design, and whether the tire presents as a clean whitewall, a redline or goldline accent, or a raised white letter truck tire.
That means appearance choices should focus on the exact size and the visual style that suits the restoration goal. A narrower 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 can preserve a more restrained look on standard trims, while 235/75R15 better supports the fuller, package-specific stance of the w/Z71 Pkg. configuration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits on a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy even when the size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or fender alterations can all affect clearance and how the tire sits on the vehicle.
That is especially important when moving between the narrower 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 sizes and the larger 235/75R15 fitment used on the w/Z71 Pkg. Checking wheel dimensions, steering travel, and fender clearance on the actual vehicle is the safest way to avoid rubbing or an unintended change in appearance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct 15-inch rim diameter and appropriate wheel width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation pressure.
A short, careful road test is a smart next step. Listen for rubbing, watch for steering pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On an older SUV, it is also worth looking over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how even a correctly sized tire behaves.
How often should tires on a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy should be inspected regularly, especially if the vehicle is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look for uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, and check pressure before road use rather than assuming a low-use vehicle is ready to drive.
Collector and hobby vehicles often age out their tires before they wear them out. A recurring inspection routine helps catch issues early and also gives you a chance to verify that the tires still clear properly if the Jimmy has had wheel, suspension, or ride-height changes since the last time it was on the road.
