The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder came to market as a compact sport utility with genuine truck roots, blending everyday utility with the off-road character that helped define many late-1980s Japanese 4x4s. That makes tire selection especially important, because appearance, stance, and intended use can shift noticeably with the wrong size. This Pathfinder uses radial tires in three primary sizes: 215/75R15, 235/75R15, and 31X10.50R15, all built around a 15-inch wheel. Available choices range from all-terrain raised white letter styles to narrow and wide whitewall radials. The right decision starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup, then matching the tire to restoration style, road use, or a more rugged truck presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder
Three tire sizes apply to the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model. All three are radial sizes for 15-inch wheels, but the E and XE use 215/75R15 while the SE can use either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Before comparing tread style or sidewall appearance, the first step is confirming whether the truck is an E, XE, or SE and checking the wheel setup currently on the vehicle.
215/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder, this size gives the E and XE their primary radial fitment on a 15-inch rim. Available options include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with sidewall choices that range from blackwall-style truck presentation to narrow and wide whitewalls. It is the size to evaluate when keeping a more standard Pathfinder fitment without moving to the larger SE sizes.
235/75R15 follows the same metric radial format, with a 235-millimeter nominal width, a 75-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size applies to certain 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder SE configurations and gives the truck a larger footprint than 215/75R15 while remaining on the same wheel diameter. Product choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with both raised white letter and whitewall treatments available across several radial series. It is the size to check when an SE is equipped with the wider standard-style fitment rather than the flotation-size option.
31X10.50R15 is a flotation-style light truck radial size, where 31 refers to the approximate overall tire diameter in inches, 10.50 is the nominal section width, and 15 is the wheel diameter. On the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder, this size is associated with the SE and gives the truck a distinctly larger off-road-oriented stance than the metric sizes. The available product in this fitment is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling. This is the size to verify carefully when preserving an SE's taller truck look or matching an existing 15-inch wheel package built for wider tires.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder because tire size is not the same across the full lineup. The E and XE share one size, while the SE uses larger alternatives, so identifying the exact trim is the first step before choosing a tire.
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1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder E
The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder E uses a 215/75R15 radial tire on a 15-inch wheel. That makes the buying decision more about selecting the right radial style, sidewall treatment, and brand character than sorting through multiple primary fitment sizes.
The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder SE is the trim where fitment needs the closest attention, because it can use either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Tire selection should start by confirming the truck's current wheel and stance setup, then deciding between a more conventional radial look and a larger truck-style presentation.
The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder XE uses the same 215/75R15 radial size as the E. That keeps fitment straightforward and shifts the decision toward whitewall versus more utility-oriented styling, along with checking wheel width and overall condition before mounting new tires.
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 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder Tires for Sale
Available Pathfinder tires span all-terrain and classic-style radials in 215/75R15, 235/75R15, and 31X10.50R15. Buyers can compare BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar options across series such as All Terrain T/A KO2, Star Series, Silvertown Radial, and classic narrow or wide whitewall treatments.
Common Pathfinder tire questions center on which of the three sizes belongs on your exact 1987 truck, how the E, SE, and XE differ, and how to choose between all-terrain styling, whitewall radials, wheel compatibility, and basic road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder uses three possible radial tire sizes: 215/75R15, 235/75R15, and 31X10.50R15. The E and XE use 215/75R15, while the SE uses either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15, all on 15-inch wheels.
That means the correct tire is tied to the exact sub-model and the wheel package currently on the truck. An SE deserves especially careful checking, because the larger flotation-size option changes the truck's stance and wheel-width needs compared with the two metric radial sizes.
What size rim does a 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder use?
All three primary Pathfinder tire sizes for 1987 are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes 215/75R15, 235/75R15, and 31X10.50R15, so rim diameter stays consistent even though overall tire size varies by sub-model and setup.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment question, because wheel width still matters when moving between the narrower 215 size, the wider 235 size, and the 31X10.50 flotation fitment. Checking the actual wheel dimensions on the truck helps prevent choosing a tire that mismatches the existing wheel package.
Do all 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder E and XE use 215/75R15, but the SE uses larger radial sizes: 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Even though all of them mount on 15-inch wheels, the tire fitment is not the same across the lineup.
That difference matters because the buying decision for an E or XE is usually about tire style and brand choice within one size, while an SE owner first needs to confirm which of the two larger fitments is appropriate. Verifying the trim badge and current wheel setup is a smart starting point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
Start with the correct size for the truck's sub-model: 215/75R15 for E and XE, or 235/75R15 and 31X10.50R15 for SE. From there, compare construction, wheel-width compatibility, load capacity, sidewall style, and whether the truck is meant to present as a classic SUV or a more utility-focused 4x4.
A Pathfinder used for restoration-minded street driving may point toward one of the whitewall radials, while a truck that leans into trail or truck styling may suit an all-terrain raised white letter option. Matching the tire's look and specifications to the actual wheel package keeps the selection grounded in fitment rather than appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder tires?
Sidewall choices for 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder tires include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, RBL, and RWL depending on the size and tire series. The whitewall selections are concentrated in the 215/75R15 and 235/75R15 sizes, while the 31X10.50R15 option appears as a raised white letter all-terrain tire.
That gives the Pathfinder a broad visual range, from a more classic street-oriented look to a stronger truck presentation. Choosing among those styles depends on whether the goal is a restoration-friendly appearance, a period-style custom feel, or a more rugged SUV stance that complements the truck's utility roots.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
The available Pathfinder tire brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Those choices appear across the 215/75R15 and 235/75R15 sizes, while 31X10.50R15 is represented here by a BFGoodrich all-terrain option.
Brand choice is only part of the decision, because each size also varies by sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, weight, and load capacity. The best way to narrow the field is to confirm the truck's size first, then compare the available tires in that exact fitment according to intended use and appearance.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
A period-style 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder usually starts with the correct sub-model size, then narrows to the visual character you want. In 215/75R15 and 235/75R15, the available choices include classic-style radial lines with narrow or wide whitewalls as well as more truck-oriented options.
That means a restoration-minded street truck can lean toward whitewall radials, while a Pathfinder meant to emphasize its SUV and 4x4 identity may suit a more rugged sidewall treatment. If exact historical appearance matters, compare the tire against photos, dealer literature, and marque-specific references before making a final choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
For the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision here. The more visible styling differences come from size, sidewall treatment, and tire series, especially when comparing whitewall street radials with raised white letter all-terrain options.
A 215/75R15 or 235/75R15 whitewall radial can give the truck a cleaner period-style presentation, while 31X10.50R15 with raised white letters pushes the Pathfinder toward a more assertive off-road look. Getting the size right first is what keeps that visual choice believable and proportionate to the truck.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder?
Yes. Even though the 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder uses 15-inch tires across all three primary sizes, aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can alter which tire works best on the truck. That matters most when moving toward 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15 on an SE.
A Pathfinder with non-stock wheels may need extra attention to wheel width, steering clearance, and fender room before a larger tire is selected. Looking at the actual truck rather than relying only on trim level helps avoid choosing a size that clashes with the current stance or wheel configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the new tire size matches the truck's sub-model and present setup. It is also wise to check for suspension wear, uneven alignment-related wear on the old tires, and any sign that steering or brake components need attention.
After installation, confirm proper air pressure, look for adequate clearance at full steering lock, and make sure the tires run without rubbing under normal suspension movement. A Pathfinder that has spent long periods parked also deserves a close inspection for dry cracking, old valve stems, and slow air loss.
How should tires on a collector-era 1987 Nissan Trucks Pathfinder be maintained?
Collector-era Pathfinder tires should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, and any change in ride feel that suggests a developing problem. Low-mileage trucks often age their tires before they wear them out, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Storage also plays a role, especially on a vehicle that sits for long stretches between drives. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection of both the sidewalls and the wheel condition keeps the truck better prepared for safe road use.
