1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Tires

The 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner uses two possible radial tire sizes: 225/75R15 and 265/70R16. The DLX uses 225/75R15, while the SR5 may use either 225/75R15 or 265/70R16 depending on the wheel setup on the truck.

That means the right tire is determined by more than the model name alone. Start by confirming whether the truck is a DLX or SR5, then verify the actual wheel diameter before choosing a tire. A 15-inch wheel points to 225/75R15, while a 16-inch wheel points to 265/70R16.

A 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner may use either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model configuration. The 225/75R15 tire mounts on a 15-inch wheel, while the 265/70R16 tire mounts on a 16-inch wheel.

Wheel diameter is the first fitment check because the two tire sizes do not share the same rim size. Measuring the wheel or reading the current tire size on the truck is the quickest way to confirm what belongs there. On an older 4Runner, that step is especially important if wheels have been changed over the years.

More than one tire size appears on the 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner because fitment varies by sub-model and wheel configuration. The DLX uses 225/75R15, while the SR5 can be found with either 225/75R15 or 265/70R16, both in radial construction.

For a buyer, that means the model badge alone is not enough to choose confidently. The SR5 especially needs a quick check of the wheel diameter and the current setup before selecting a tire. That also helps narrow the decision between a whitewall-style street tire in 15-inch form and a more truck-oriented 16-inch all-terrain choice.

Choosing a 225/75R15 tire for a 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner starts with confirming that the truck uses a 15-inch wheel. From there, the main variables are brand, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and whether the truck is being kept in a more traditional street-oriented presentation.

This size offers several whitewall options, including narrow and wide treatments, so appearance becomes a major part of the decision. It also helps to compare maximum load figures, product weight, and the rim-width range that matches the wheel already on the truck. Those details matter more than simply picking the first tire in the correct size.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner. In 225/75R15, available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. In 265/70R16, the available option uses RWL, or raised white letters, which gives the tire a more rugged truck look.

That difference can change the overall character of the vehicle even when the tire is mechanically appropriate for the wheel. Whitewalls tend to suit a cleaner, more restoration-minded street presentation, while raised white letters lean toward a later utility and off-road visual style. Matching the sidewall treatment to the truck’s intended appearance usually makes selection easier.

Tires for the 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Most of that variety appears in the 225/75R15 size, while the 265/70R16 option is represented by BFGoodrich in an All-Terrain T/A KO2 configuration.

Brand choice is only one part of the decision. It should be weighed alongside the correct tire size, wheel diameter, sidewall style, tire series, and the way the truck is used. On this 4Runner, the biggest distinction is often not brand alone, but whether the setup calls for a traditional whitewall radial or a more aggressive all-terrain tire.

A period-style 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner tire choice begins with the correct size for the sub-model and wheel diameter. For many trucks on 15-inch wheels, 225/75R15 is the size most closely tied to a traditional street presentation, and it is available in several whitewall variations.

Appearance goals should guide the final choice within that size. A narrow or wide whitewall can give the truck a more restoration-oriented look, while a raised white letter all-terrain creates a different visual statement. If exact originality matters, compare the truck’s surviving details and period reference material before settling on a sidewall treatment.

On the 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial visual decision. The bigger appearance differences come from tire size, sidewall treatment, and series character, especially when comparing whitewall 225/75R15 choices with a raised white letter 265/70R16 all-terrain.

That means a restored truck can take on very different visual personalities even while staying within appropriate radial fitments. A whitewall radial tends to emphasize a cleaner, more road-focused presentation, while the larger all-terrain option pushes the truck toward a more rugged stance. Wheel diameter and sub-model fitment still need to be confirmed before choosing by appearance alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner. Wheel swaps, suspension lifts, lowering, altered offset, and body changes can all change how a 225/75R15 or 265/70R16 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance it has during steering and suspension travel.

That is especially important on an older truck that may no longer be on its original wheels. A modified setup should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full lock, and room under compression before any new tire is chosen. Even when the size itself is correct for the model, the current vehicle setup still governs real-world fitment.

Before driving a 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are inflated properly, and check that there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. Lug hardware and wheel seating should also be verified.

A short local drive is a good first step before putting the truck into regular use. Recheck air pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and pay attention to how the vehicle tracks and steers. On a collector-era truck, it is also smart to inspect suspension wear, alignment condition, and any age-related wheel issues before longer trips.

Tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Trucks 4Runner should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss. That matters whether the truck runs 225/75R15 road tires or a 265/70R16 all-terrain setup, because low-use vehicles can still age out their tires.

Storage conditions make a real difference on a vehicle that is not driven daily. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional movement can help prevent flat spotting. An older 4Runner that sits for long stretches benefits from inspection before every meaningful drive, not just at service intervals.