The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 came from the final years of Jeep’s full-size pickup line, a period when these trucks were valued for heavy-duty utility, straightforward engineering, and the rugged look that still appeals to restorers and working-truck enthusiasts. Tire choice on a J20 is closely tied to that character, because this truck uses a 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment on a 16.5-inch rim. Within that size, the real decision is less about changing dimensions and more about selecting the right bias-ply tire series for truck use, load capability, and period-style appearance. That makes wheel confirmation, intended use, and overall condition especially important before putting an older J20 back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20
The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 uses one primary tire size: 950-16.5, a bias-ply truck tire built for a 16.5-inch rim. The J20 Base uses that same fitment, so the key decision is choosing the right tire series within the correct size and confirming that the truck still has the proper 16.5-inch wheels before replacement.
In the 950-16.5 size, the 9.50 portion identifies a nominal section width in inches and the 16.5 identifies the wheel diameter. This is a bias-ply truck fitment, which suits the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20’s heavy-duty, traditional pickup character and keeps the selection focused on period-style construction rather than modern radial conversion. Available choices in this size include STA Traxion and STA Super Transport, both in Blackwall form and both built for military and truck use. The practical choice comes down to matching the tire series to the truck’s intended use while confirming wheel width and overall vehicle setup.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20. The covered J20 Base uses the same primary tire size, so the main task is confirming the truck’s wheel and tire setup before choosing between the available bias-ply options.
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1987 Jeep Trucks J20 Base
The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 Base uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply truck tire size. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing the right Blackwall bias-ply series and verifying that the truck still carries the correct 16.5-inch wheels with suitable width for that fitment.
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 Jeep Trucks J20 Tires for Sale
Available 950-16.5 tires for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 focus on STA bias-ply truck options, including the Traxion and Super Transport series. Both are Blackwall designs with military and truck-oriented construction, the same 2780@60 psi load figure, and a 6.50 to 6.75-inch rim-width range.
Common questions for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 usually center on its 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment, 16.5-inch wheel requirements, product selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 uses a 950-16.5 bias-ply tire. The covered J20 Base uses that same size, so the primary fitment question is straightforward: the truck’s tire size is 950-16.5 on a 16.5-inch rim.
That does not mean every J20 still on the road has its original wheel setup, especially on older trucks that may have been modified for work or off-road use. Before choosing a replacement tire, check the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the truck, then compare the intended use of the vehicle against the available tire series in this size.
What size rim does a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 use?
The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 uses a 16.5-inch rim with its 950-16.5 tire size. Available tires in this fitment are built around that wheel diameter, and the product range in this size is intended for rims measuring 6.50 to 6.75 inches wide.
Rim diameter matters first, because a 16.5-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel even though the numbers look close at a glance. On an older truck, it is smart to measure the wheels already on the vehicle and inspect for previous wheel swaps, especially if the J20 has seen commercial use, restoration work, or aftermarket changes.
Does the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 Base uses the same 950-16.5 bias-ply tire size as the core J20 fitment. That keeps the size question simple and shifts the decision toward choosing the right bias-ply tire series within that established size.
Even with shared fitment, replacement still depends on verifying what is actually on the truck today. A J20 that has been updated with different wheels, altered suspension height, or other non-stock hardware should be checked carefully so the chosen 950-16.5 tire matches the current wheel dimensions and leaves adequate clearance in real-world use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and 16.5-inch wheel compatibility. For the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20, the available 950-16.5 options also share the same Blackwall presentation, truck-focused construction, and a maximum load figure of 2780@60 psi, so the remaining difference is largely the tire series you want to run.
A useful comparison point is rim-width compatibility, since these tires are intended for 6.50 to 6.75-inch rims. It also helps to think about how the truck will be used, whether the goal is a restoration-oriented look, occasional road use, or preserving a traditional heavy-duty pickup appearance that stays close to the truck’s original character.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
The available tires for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 in 950-16.5 come from STA. Within that brand, the choices include the Traxion and Super Transport series, both built as bias-ply Blackwall truck tires for this fitment.
Since brand choice is not the main differentiator here, the smarter comparison is between the individual tire series and their intended presentation on the truck. Confirm that the wheel width is within range, review the load figure and construction, and decide whether the truck is being set up for work-truck character, restoration-minded use, or general collector driving.
What tire series are available for the 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
The 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 has two available 950-16.5 bias-ply tire series: STA Traxion and STA Super Transport. Both are Blackwall truck tires designed for 16.5-inch rims and both carry the same 2780@60 psi maximum load figure.
That means the decision is not about finding a different size, but about selecting the series that best matches the truck’s use and the look you want. On a restoration-oriented or collector pickup, the tire series can shape the overall presentation just as much as the wheel and stance, so it is worth comparing the series character before choosing.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
A period-style approach for a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 starts with the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment, since that keeps the truck in its established construction type and overall tire format. Within that size, STA Traxion and STA Super Transport both provide traditional Blackwall truck presentation suited to an older heavy-duty pickup.
The right choice depends on how closely the truck is being restored and how it will be used after installation. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking vehicle-specific historical references, build documentation, or marque-club guidance, because a period-style tire can look appropriate without automatically matching every detail of the truck’s original delivery.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 restoration because tire size, construction, and wheel diameter all affect the truck’s stance, visual balance, and overall authenticity. Staying with the 950-16.5 bias-ply format preserves the heavy-duty pickup character that belongs to this model.
Fitment also matters beyond appearance. A truck restored with the wrong wheel diameter or an incompatible wheel width can create mounting problems and change how the vehicle sits or clears under load. Even on a driver-quality restoration, confirming the wheel setup and using the proper size helps the finished truck look and function more like a coherent, correctly assembled J20.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 even when the intended tire size remains 950-16.5. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or fender alterations can all influence whether the truck still supports the proper 16.5-inch tire-and-wheel combination.
An older J20 should be checked as it sits today rather than assumed to match original specifications. Measure the current wheel diameter and width, inspect steering and fender clearance, and look for signs that the truck has been altered for work use or off-road use. Those checks are especially important before installing new bias-ply tires on a modified chassis.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct 16.5-inch diameter and suitable width, confirm proper mounting, and check that the tires are inflated appropriately for the application. It also makes sense to inspect wheel hardware, valve stems, and overall tire seating before the truck returns to regular road use.
Beyond the tires themselves, look at the truck’s steering, suspension, and brake condition, especially if it has been stored or used only occasionally. A heavy-duty pickup can feel very different once fresh tires are installed, so a short, careful test drive is wise to confirm clearance, straight tracking, and the absence of rubbing, vibration, or unusual pull.
How should 950-16.5 tires on a collector 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 be maintained?
Maintain 950-16.5 tires on a collector 1987 Jeep Trucks J20 by checking inflation regularly, watching for air loss, and inspecting tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, or other age-related issues. On a truck that sees limited mileage, condition matters just as much as tread depth because long storage can be harder on tires than steady use.
Storage habits also affect service life. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect older-style tires during downtime. It is also smart to inspect the tires before each longer outing, since collector trucks often sit for extended periods and may develop condition changes that are easy to miss between drives.
