The 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 sits in the square-body era that made GM heavy-duty pickups a staple for towing, work use, and long service life. Buyers looking after one today are often balancing practical utility with keeping the truck's stance and fitment true to its original character. Tire fitment centers on two radial 16-inch sizes, with 215/85R16 used on the standard V2500 and 235/85R16 used on Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped configurations. That makes the real decision less about bias-ply versus radial and more about confirming the exact sub-model, wheel setup, and the kind of tread and sidewall presentation that suits how the truck is used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 GMC Trucks V2500
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500, and both are radial tires built for 16-inch rims. The right choice depends first on identifying the exact sub-model, since the standard V2500 uses one size while Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped front and rear positions use the larger option. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to wheel compatibility, tread style, and how closely the truck's current setup matches its original configuration.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) and (9/16 inch studs)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
The 215/85R16 size uses a modern metric radial format: 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500, this is the primary fitment for the standard truck configurations shown here. It is a tall, narrow heavy-duty truck size that suits buyers who want to stay with the original fitment pattern for those sub-models. Before selecting a tire in this size, confirm the truck's exact stud and wheel setup, especially if the vehicle has seen wheel or suspension changes over time.
Fit(s): Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front, Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Rear, Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Front, Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Rear, w/LS9 Eng. (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front, w/LS9 Eng. (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Rear, w/LS9 Eng. (9/16 inch studs) Front, and w/LS9 Eng. (9/16 inch studs) Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
The 235/85R16 size follows the same metric radial format, with a wider 235-millimeter section width, an 85-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is used on Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped V2500 configurations, including the front and rear positions noted for those sub-models. Available product choice in this size includes BFGoodrich's All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls, giving buyers a more rugged visual and tread character. It is the size to evaluate when the truck's configuration calls for the heavier-duty, wider fitment rather than the standard V2500 tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 because tire size is not the same across every configuration. The standard V2500 uses one size, while Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped versions move to a larger radial, so confirming the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing tire options.
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1987 GMC Trucks V2500 (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)
This standard V2500 configuration uses the narrower primary radial fitment rather than the larger truck size used on certain other versions. Tire selection here is mainly about staying with the correct 16-inch fitment and confirming that the current wheels still match the truck's original-style setup.
This V2500 configuration follows the same tire-size pattern as the other standard truck setup, even though the stud specification differs. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since the tire size remains straightforward but the actual wheel hardware should still match the truck before replacement.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front
The Bonus Cab front fitment uses the larger radial size shared with the matching rear position on this configuration. Tire choice should focus on proper 16-inch wheel compatibility and whether the truck is being kept in a stock-style stance or used with a more aggressive all-terrain presentation.
The Bonus Cab rear position uses the same larger radial size as the front on this stud pattern. That keeps replacement straightforward, but it is still worth confirming wheel width and overall truck setup before moving into tread or sidewall style decisions.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Front
This Bonus Cab front configuration also uses the larger truck radial rather than the standard V2500 size. Buyers comparing tires should treat this as a heavy-duty fitment question first, then look at tread design and wheel compatibility within the correct size.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Rear
The rear position on this Bonus Cab setup matches the larger front tire size for the same configuration. That supports a consistent replacement approach, but the wheel and suspension setup should still be checked if the truck has been modified over the years.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 w/LS9 Eng. (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front
The LS9-equipped front fitment uses the larger radial size associated with the heavier-duty V2500 configurations here. Tire selection should center on staying within the correct size and making sure the wheel width and overall truck setup support the tire being considered.
This LS9-equipped rear position shares the same larger radial fitment as the front. That keeps sizing consistent across the axle positions, while leaving room to compare tread style, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility within the correct size.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 w/LS9 Eng. (9/16 inch studs) Front
The front fitment on this LS9-equipped configuration uses the larger V2500 radial size rather than the standard truck size. That makes exact configuration confirmation important before purchase, especially on older trucks that may no longer be running their original wheels.
1987 GMC Trucks V2500 w/LS9 Eng. (9/16 inch studs) Rear
The rear of this LS9-equipped configuration follows the same larger radial sizing as the front. Buyers should confirm wheel hardware and wheel width first, then compare tire choices based on tread character and the look they want from the finished truck.
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 V2500 Tires for Sale
Available product choice is concentrated in 235/85R16, where BFGoodrich offers the All-Terrain T/A KO2 in radial construction with raised white letter sidewalls. That makes the product grid most useful for buyers comparing heavy-duty truck fitment, wheel-width compatibility, and a more aggressive all-terrain look.
These FAQs focus on the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 tire sizes, how fitment changes by sub-model, what the radial sizing means, and what to check on an older heavy-duty truck before putting it back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500?
The 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 uses two primary tire sizes: 215/85R16 and 235/85R16. The standard V2500 configurations use 215/85R16, while Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped configurations use 235/85R16 on the front and rear positions covered here.
The practical takeaway is that tire selection starts with the exact truck configuration, not just the model name. A V2500 that has different cab, engine, wheel, or stud-related setup details may need the larger size, so it is worth checking the truck itself before choosing between these two 16-inch radial fitments.
What size rim does a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 use?
Both tire sizes used on the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 are built around a 16-inch rim diameter. That includes the standard 215/85R16 fitment and the larger 235/85R16 fitment used on Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped versions.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older heavy-duty truck. The wheel still needs to match the intended tire size, and any past wheel swap can change what actually fits the truck today, so confirming the wheel diameter and width on the vehicle is a smart step before ordering tires.
Why does the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 was offered in different configurations. The standard truck uses 215/85R16, while Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped versions use the larger 235/85R16 size, including front and rear fitment in those applications.
That means the model name alone does not settle the fitment question. Buyers should confirm whether the truck is a standard V2500, a Bonus Cab, or an LS9-equipped version, and then make sure the current wheel setup still matches that configuration before comparing tread styles or product choices.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 tire for a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500?
Start with the correct size for the truck's exact configuration, since the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 uses either 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 depending on sub-model. Both are radial 16-inch truck sizes, so the first decision is matching the tire to the actual V2500 setup rather than choosing by appearance alone.
After size is confirmed, compare wheel compatibility, tread style, sidewall presentation, and load-related specifications that suit how the truck will be used. A work-oriented truck, a restored square-body, and a weekend driver may all need the same size but benefit from different product characteristics within that fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 tires?
Among the available product choices here, 235/85R16 is offered with an RWL sidewall, which is a raised white letter presentation. That gives the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 a more assertive truck look than a plain black sidewall and can matter to buyers who want a period-flavored off-road appearance.
Sidewall style should be treated as an appearance choice after the fitment is settled. The truck still needs the right size, proper wheel compatibility, and the kind of tread pattern that matches its use, whether it is kept close to stock or used more like a working or recreational heavy-duty pickup.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 GMC Trucks V2500?
The available product selection shown here includes BFGoodrich in 235/85R16, specifically within the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series. That makes BFGoodrich the named brand choice in the current product assortment for the larger V2500 fitment.
Brand choice only matters after the truck's actual tire size is confirmed. A standard V2500 using 215/85R16 and a Bonus Cab or LS9-equipped truck using 235/85R16 are solving different fitment questions first, so buyers should verify the configuration and wheel setup before narrowing the search by brand or series.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 GMC Trucks V2500?
A period-style choice starts with using the correct original fitment pattern for the truck's configuration. On a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500, that means 215/85R16 for the standard truck and 235/85R16 for Bonus Cab and LS9-equipped versions, both in radial construction on 16-inch wheels.
Once the size is settled, appearance comes from tread character and sidewall treatment rather than changing to an unrelated size. Buyers restoring a square-body truck often want the stance and proportions to stay right, so keeping the proper fitment and checking the actual wheels on the truck matters as much as the tire brand itself.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because tire size has a major effect on stance, wheelwell fill, and the overall visual balance of a restored 1987 GMC Trucks V2500. Using the proper 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 fitment for the truck's exact configuration keeps the restoration grounded in the right proportions.
Restoration-minded buyers should also remember that many older trucks no longer wear their original wheels. A truck can look right at a glance and still have different wheel width or aftermarket rims, so checking the current hardware before choosing a tire helps avoid appearance and clearance issues once the truck is back on the road.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lift or lowering work, and body alterations can all change how a 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 tire sits on the truck.
That is especially important on older three-quarter-ton pickups, where years of use may have introduced changes that are easy to overlook. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and the space around fenders and suspension parts will help confirm that the current truck setup still supports the intended tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating, then confirm tire pressure and look for any interference around steering and suspension components. On a 1987 GMC Trucks V2500, it is also wise to make sure the installed tire size matches the truck's exact configuration.
A heavy-duty vintage truck benefits from a broader once-over before regular driving resumes. Brake condition, steering feel, suspension wear, and any signs of rubbing should be addressed early, since a new set of tires can only perform as intended when the rest of the chassis and wheel hardware are in sound condition.
How should tires on a collector-era 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 1987 GMC Trucks V2500 should be kept at the proper pressure for the application and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Because older trucks are often driven less frequently, condition and age can matter as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage habits also play a role in tire life. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors helps protect the rubber, while periodic inspections before each outing can catch issues early and make the truck more dependable for local drives or longer trips.
