The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy sits in the compact SUV era when smaller four-wheel-drive utilities were becoming everyday vehicles instead of purely work-focused rigs. It blends truck-based durability with a shorter, more maneuverable package, which is why these Jimmys still appeal to collectors, light-truck enthusiasts, and owners who want period character with real road use. Tire fitment centers on 15-inch radial sizes, with 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 used across most sub-models and 235/75R15 reserved for the w/Z71 Pkg. Available choices range from narrow and wide whitewalls to redline, goldline, and raised white letter styles, so appearance and intended use both matter before selecting a set.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model. All of these are radial tires for 15-inch wheels, but most Jimmy trim levels use 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while the w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15. Once the sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether the vehicle is being kept stock in appearance or tailored more toward truck-style road use.
Fit(s): Base, Gypsy, Sierra Classic, and Timberline
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
195/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, this size serves as one of the standard 15-inch radial fitments used on several sub-models. Available choices focus on traditional whitewall presentation, including narrow and wide whitewall styles from Coker Classic and American Classic. This size makes sense for owners who want to stay with a modest factory-era profile and should be matched to the vehicle's actual wheel width before purchase.
Fit(s): Base, Gypsy, Sierra Classic, and Timberline
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/75R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, it is the other common 15-inch fitment across most non-Z71 sub-models and offers the broadest variety of tire presentations. Choices include narrow and wide whitewalls, plus goldline and redline sidewall treatments, with offerings from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. It is a useful size to evaluate when you want the widest mix of appearance options while still staying within the Jimmy's standard radial fitment family.
235/75R15 is a larger metric radial size, with 235 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 75 identifying the aspect ratio, and 15 showing the wheel diameter. On the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, this size is tied to the w/Z71 Pkg. and brings a different fitment path than the smaller Jimmy tire sizes. Product choices range from wide and narrow whitewalls to BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 raised white letter tires, so the size supports both restoration-oriented styling and a more truck-focused look. It should be chosen only after confirming the vehicle is the Z71-package configuration and that the wheel width matches the tire's requirements.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy because most versions share two smaller 15-inch radial sizes, while the w/Z71 Pkg. moves to a larger 235/75R15 setup. Identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing sidewall style, tire series, or overall look.
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1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Base
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Base uses the same general tire-fitment pattern as most non-Z71 Jimmy trims, with 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 radial options on 15-inch wheels. That gives the owner a choice between a slightly smaller or slightly fuller standard-size presentation before deciding among whitewall, redline, or other available sidewall styles.
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Gypsy follows the shared non-Z71 fitment path, using 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. Tire selection therefore comes down less to construction and more to choosing the size already on the vehicle, then narrowing the field by sidewall treatment and overall appearance.
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Sierra Classic uses the same 195/75R15 and 205/75R15 radial fitment family seen on other standard Jimmy sub-models. Buyers should confirm which of those two sizes is already on the vehicle, then compare whitewall width, brand, and tire series to suit either a cleaner stock-style look or a more personalized presentation.
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Timberline also stays with the standard Jimmy fitment group, using 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 radial tires on 15-inch wheels. That makes wheel-size confirmation straightforward, but it still pays to verify the exact size on the vehicle before choosing among the available whitewall, goldline, or redline-style options.
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy w/Z71 Pkg. is the outlier in the lineup, using 235/75R15 radial tires instead of the smaller sizes found on the other Jimmy sub-models. That changes the tire-selection process, since this configuration opens the door to larger whitewall choices as well as raised white letter all-terrain styling.
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 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Tires for Sale
Available 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tire choices span Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar lines. Across the three 15-inch radial sizes, buyers can compare whitewall widths, redline or goldline accents, raised white letter truck styling, and different tire series suited to either restoration-minded appearance or utility-focused presentation.
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Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R15
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, how fitment changes by sub-model, and how to sort through wheel, sidewall, brand, maintenance, and road-use decisions before putting the vehicle back into regular service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
A 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy uses 195/75R15, 205/75R15, or 235/75R15 radial tires, depending on the sub-model. Base, Gypsy, Sierra Classic, and Timberline models use 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while the w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15. All of these sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.
The first step is identifying the exact Jimmy sub-model and confirming the size already on the vehicle. Many older SUVs have had wheel or tire changes over the years, so it helps to verify the wheel width and check for clearance at the fenders and steering stops before selecting a new set.
What size rim does a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy use?
The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy uses a 15-inch rim diameter across its primary tire fitments. That applies whether the vehicle is running 195/75R15, 205/75R15, or the larger 235/75R15 size used on the w/Z71 Pkg. The shared wheel diameter makes the main fitment difference the tire size itself rather than the rim diameter.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs to be checked before choosing a replacement tire. That matters especially if the Jimmy has aftermarket wheels, since a 15-inch wheel can still be too narrow or too wide for a given tire size and intended appearance.
Do all 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy Base, Gypsy, Sierra Classic, and Timberline use 195/75R15 or 205/75R15 radial tires, while the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15. The difference is important because the Z71-package vehicle follows a larger tire fitment than the rest of the Jimmy lineup.
That variation means tire selection should start with the exact sub-model rather than the model name alone. Once that is confirmed, compare the wheel width and the tire already installed on the vehicle, especially if the Jimmy has been modified or has spent years on replacement wheels.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, since the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy can use 195/75R15, 205/75R15, or 235/75R15 depending on configuration. All of the primary fitments are radial, so the main decision is not construction type but matching the right size to the wheel and the way the vehicle is used.
After size is settled, look at wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, load capacity, and overall appearance. A narrow or wide whitewall changes the Jimmy's visual character, while the available raised white letter all-terrain option on 235/75R15 leans more toward truck use than restoration-style presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and RWL raised white letter styles, depending on tire size. The 195/75R15 choices focus on whitewalls, 205/75R15 adds redline and goldline options, and 235/75R15 includes both whitewall and truck-style raised white letter offerings.
The right sidewall depends on the character you want the Jimmy to project. Whitewalls suit a more restoration-oriented or custom street look, redline and goldline add period-style accent, and raised white letters give the Z71-size tire a more utility and trail-inspired appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
Tires for the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability varies by size, with 205/75R15 offering the widest spread across multiple lines and sidewall treatments, while 195/75R15 and 235/75R15 each have their own brand mix.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width requirements rather than by name alone. A whitewall-focused build, a cleaner stock-style look, or a more truck-oriented presentation can all point to different products even when the tire size itself stays the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
A period-style 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy starts with the correct sub-model size, then moves to the sidewall treatment that matches the vehicle's intended look. The standard Jimmy sub-models use 195/75R15 or 205/75R15, while the w/Z71 Pkg. uses 235/75R15. Within those sizes, whitewall options are widely available and create a distinctly vintage truck-and-SUV presentation.
The best visual match depends on whether the Jimmy is being restored, mildly customized, or kept as a clean survivor. If exact originality matters, compare the vehicle against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before choosing a whitewall width, redline, goldline, or raised white letter style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
On the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy, the primary fitments are already radial, so the appearance difference comes more from sidewall styling than from switching construction types. A narrow whitewall gives a subtler look, a wide whitewall creates more visual emphasis, and redline, goldline, or raised white letter options can push the Jimmy toward different period-inspired personalities.
That makes appearance selection more nuanced than simply choosing the right size. The same Jimmy can look more restrained, more upscale, or more truck-like depending on the sidewall treatment, so it helps to decide early whether the goal is restoration-minded presentation, custom flavor, or utility-oriented visual character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy?
Yes. Even though the 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy uses 15-inch radial fitments, modifications can change how a replacement tire works on the vehicle. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension lifts or lowering, and body changes can all affect clearance even when the tire size itself looks close to stock.
That is especially important when moving between the Jimmy's smaller standard sizes and the 235/75R15 used on the w/Z71 Pkg. Before installing new tires, turn the steering lock to lock and check clearance at the fenders, frame, and suspension so the chosen size suits the vehicle's actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy on new tires?
Before driving a 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that lug hardware seats properly, and make sure the tires are inflated to an appropriate operating pressure for the application. It also helps to verify that suspension, steering, and brake components are in sound condition.
A careful road-use check should include side-to-side clearance, full steering travel, and a look for contact points after a short test drive. Older compact SUVs often have replacement wheels or worn suspension parts, so catching rubbing, uneven stance, or air loss early can prevent trouble once the Jimmy is back in regular use.
How should tires on a collector 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1988 GMC Trucks S15 Jimmy should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss. Low-use vehicles can age tires without adding many miles, so visual inspection matters just as much as mileage. Rotating attention between all four corners helps catch developing issues early.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Jimmy away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires' condition over time. Before a longer drive, recheck pressure and look over the sidewalls again, especially if the vehicle has been parked for extended periods.
