1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup Tires

The 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup uses five different primary tire sizes depending on sub-model: 185R14, 700-14, 225/75R15, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14. Most applications use radial tires, while the 4x2 1/2 Ton uses a 700-14 bias-ply fitment. The covered 4x4 models use 225/75R15 on a 15-inch wheel, while the remaining applications stay in 14-inch sizes.

The practical takeaway is that tire selection starts with the exact truck configuration, not just the model year. A 1 Ton, DRW, SR5, DLX, or 4x4 version can use a different size, and one fitment even changes wheel diameter. Checking the sub-model name and confirming the wheel diameter on the truck prevents choosing a tire from the right year but the wrong setup.

A 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the specific sub-model. The 185R14, 700-14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14 fitments all use 14-inch wheels, while the 225/75R15 fitment uses a 15-inch wheel on the covered 4x4 applications.

That makes wheel-diameter confirmation one of the most important first checks on this page. Even when two trucks look similar, a 14-inch and 15-inch tire are not interchangeable across the same wheel. If the pickup has aftermarket wheels or a changed suspension stance, measure the wheel directly and compare the actual setup before moving on to sidewall style or construction.

The 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup spans a wide range of configurations, including 1 Ton, DRW, 4x2 1/2 Ton, 4x4, DLX, and SR5 variations, so the tire fitment changes with the truck's role and wheel setup. That is why this model year includes both 14-inch and 15-inch applications, along with both radial and bias-ply primary fitments.

This matters because the correct tire is tied to the actual sub-model, not the nameplate alone. A buyer looking at a 4x4 should be checking for the 15-inch radial fitment, while a 4x2 1/2 Ton with the 700-14 size raises a construction decision as well. Identifying the exact trim and wheel arrangement avoids cross-shopping the wrong size family.

For the 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup 4x2 1/2 Ton, 700-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, and the available products in this fitment are bias-ply tires within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, offered in blackwall and narrow whitewall form.

That construction choice affects both appearance and the overall direction of the tire purchase. Keeping the truck on 700-14 bias-ply tires preserves a more traditional presentation, while moving away from that construction means evaluating one of the documented radial-equivalent sizes instead. Before making that change, confirm the wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and the clearance available at full steering and suspension travel.

Radial equivalents for the 700-14 fitment on a 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup include 185R14 as the 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as the 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as the 70-series P-metric radial. These are equivalent-size options for the 700-14 application, not additional primary factory-style fitments across the whole truck range.

Each option uses radial construction but follows a different sizing convention and profile family, so the choice is not only about diameter. The recommended rim-width range for the conversion path is 4 to 6 inches, and the truck should be checked carefully for wheel compatibility, tire-to-fender clearance, and the actual stance of the front suspension before changing from the original-style bias-ply format.

A conversion from the 700-14 bias-ply size to a radial equivalent starts with wheel diameter and wheel width. The documented radial-equivalent path includes 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches. The truck should also be checked for actual tire clearance at the front suspension and steering range.

Construction changes can alter how the truck feels on the road, but the first concern is still fitment, not theory. Any pickup that has been lowered, lifted, or fitted with non-stock wheels deserves extra scrutiny before the new tires go on. Looking at the tire's overall proportions against the truck's present wheel and suspension setup helps prevent a mismatch between the chosen equivalent and the vehicle itself.

Start with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because this truck uses five different primary tire sizes across 14-inch and 15-inch applications. From there, the key considerations are construction, sidewall style, and the character of the tire series offered in that size. One application uses a bias-ply 700-14 size, while the others use radial tires.

Once size is settled, compare the details that actually affect your decision: blackwall versus whitewall, a sportier sidewall treatment like redline or raised white letter where available, and the rim-width range printed for the product you are considering. A truck built for restoration display may lead to a different choice than one intended for regular back-road or weekend use.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup vary by size, but the available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, raised white letter, redline, and dual redline. The broader appearance spread shows up most clearly in 205/70R14 and 225/75R15, while other sizes keep a narrower blackwall or whitewall-focused selection.

That variety means the tire can influence the truck's visual character almost as much as the wheel itself. A blackwall keeps the look restrained, whitewalls move it toward a more traditional presentation, and redline or raised white letter styles can give certain trims a more assertive period feel. The best choice is the one that matches the exact size requirement and the truck's overall appearance goal.

Depending on size, 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup tires are available from Michelin, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, Phoenix, Tornel, and Vredestein. Brand availability changes with the fitment, so one sub-model may have a compact selection while another size opens up several different series and sidewall treatments.

Brand choice should come after the fitment questions are settled. A 225/75R15 4x4 truck has a different comparison set than a 185R14 1 Ton or a 700-14 4x2 1/2 Ton, and that affects not only appearance but also rim-width compatibility and load figures shown on individual products. Compare brands within the correct size first, then narrow the options by the truck's intended use.

A period-style choice begins with the truck's exact original-size family, not with a cosmetic feature alone. For the 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup, that means staying within the correct primary fitment for the sub-model, whether that is 185R14, 700-14, 225/75R15, 195/75R14, or 205/70R14. The 700-14 application is especially relevant for buyers who want a traditional bias-ply presentation.

After the size is established, appearance can be shaped through sidewall style and construction. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, dual redline, and raised white letter options each create a different visual effect. When exact restoration accuracy matters, verify the truck's historical tire presentation through marque-specific references or period documentation before choosing among otherwise correct-fitment modern offerings.

Tire construction affects both the stance and the visual tone of a restored 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup. The 700-14 fitment uses bias-ply construction, which suits a more traditional presentation, while the other primary fitments are radial. That difference matters because a truck restored with attention to period feel may call for a different construction choice than one restored mainly for regular driving.

Sidewall styling then adds another layer to the final look. A blackwall keeps the visual emphasis on the truck itself, whitewalls change the era impression, and redline or raised white letter options can shift the truck toward a more stylized late-classic appearance. Construction and sidewall should be chosen together so the finished truck looks consistent rather than visually mixed.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup even when the chosen size matches a known application. Aftermarket wheels can alter width or offset, suspension changes can affect ride height and clearance, and body modifications can reduce space around the tire. Those factors matter on both 14-inch and 15-inch setups.

A truck that has been lowered, lifted, or changed from its original wheel package should be checked more carefully than an untouched example. Measure the installed wheel diameter and width, then look for clearance at the fender edge, inner wheelhouse, and steering stops. That extra inspection is especially worthwhile when comparing the 700-14 bias-ply fitment with one of its radial-equivalent alternatives.

Before putting a 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup back into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the tire size, construction, and rim diameter match the truck's actual sub-model and current wheel setup.

After installation, keep an eye on pressure retention and look for any signs of rubbing at full steering lock or over bumps. Collector and low-use trucks deserve an extra visual check after the first few drives, since long-stored vehicles can reveal unrelated issues once they are back on the road. Any cracking, bulges, vibration, or uneven wear pattern should be addressed promptly.

Tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Trucks Pickup should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even a truck that sees limited mileage can develop age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or tread deterioration if it sits for long periods without attention.

The most useful habit is to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than relying on appearance alone. Keep the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone-producing equipment when stored, and watch for changes in ride feel once it is back on the road. A low-use pickup can age its tires out long before it wears them out.