The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero came from the era when compact sport utility vehicles were becoming serious everyday 4x4s, blending wagon-like utility with real off-road credibility. For owners today, that makes tire choice part appearance decision, part practical setup check. This Montero uses radial tires in either 225/75R15 or 235/75R15, depending on the exact version. Available choices range from traditional whitewall styles to an all-terrain raised white letter option, with several brand and series differences across the two sizes. The right pick comes down to confirming the sub-model first, then matching the tire’s look and intended road use to the vehicle’s current wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero
The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to the exact sub-model rather than a change in wheel diameter. Both sizes are radial tires for 15-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the vehicle is a Base, Sport, or w/3.0L Eng. version before comparing whitewall, all-terrain, brand, or tire-series choices.
225/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero, this size is used on certain sub-models and keeps the fitment within a modern radial format. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with narrow and wide whitewall treatments offered across several series. It is the size to evaluate when the vehicle calls for a more traditional road-going presentation on a 15-inch wheel.
235/75R15 follows the same metric radial format, with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero, this size belongs to a specific sub-model configuration rather than the full range. Product choices are broader here, including whitewall options from American Classic, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, plus a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters. This is the size to confirm when the Montero is set up for the wider primary fitment used on the 3.0L application.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero because the covered versions do not all use the same tire size. Base and Sport share one radial size, while the w/3.0L Eng. version uses a different radial fitment on the same 15-inch rim diameter.
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1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Base
The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Base uses the 225/75R15 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on sidewall style, brand, and series choice rather than switching between different wheel diameters.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport also uses the 225/75R15 radial size. Selection typically comes down to the kind of look you want, from traditional whitewall presentation to the specific product characteristics within that size.
The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero w/3.0L Eng. uses the wider 235/75R15 radial size. That makes it important to confirm the exact engine-related configuration before comparing whitewall, all-terrain, and series differences within the available choices.
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 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Tires for Sale
Available 15-inch Montero tires span several brands, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and Tornel. Depending on size, buyers can compare narrow or wide whitewalls, multiple radial series, and in 235/75R15, an all-terrain raised white letter option.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.75 Inch Whitewall | 225/75R15
Common 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero tire questions usually center on the correct size by sub-model, 15-inch rim fitment, available whitewall or all-terrain styles, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era SUV back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
A 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero uses either 225/75R15 or 235/75R15, and both are radial tires for 15-inch rims. The Base and Sport models use 225/75R15, while the Montero w/3.0L Eng. uses 235/75R15.
The key step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Because both sizes share the same rim diameter, it can be easy to overlook the width difference, so the vehicle’s current wheel setup and the exact model designation should be confirmed before making a final selection.
What size rim does a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero use a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 225/75R15 and 235/75R15 are built around that same 15-inch wheel size, even though the tire widths differ by application.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so the wheel’s actual width still matters when comparing specific tires. That is especially important on an older SUV that may have seen aftermarket wheel changes over time, since a 15-inch diameter alone does not confirm that every tire in these sizes suits the current wheel and vehicle setup.
Do all 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Base and Sport use 225/75R15, while the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero w/3.0L Eng. uses 235/75R15. All of these are radial fitments on 15-inch rims, but the primary tire size is not the same across every version.
That difference affects which products belong on the vehicle, especially if you are comparing whitewall styles or looking at the all-terrain option available in 235/75R15. Checking the exact sub-model first helps prevent choosing a tire that is correct in diameter but mismatched to the Montero’s intended width and configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
Start with the correct size for the exact Montero sub-model: 225/75R15 for Base and Sport, or 235/75R15 for the w/3.0L Eng. version. From there, compare radial construction details such as rim-width compatibility, load figures, sidewall style, and the overall character of the tire series.
A Montero used mainly for cruising and period-style presentation may call for a different look than one that sees more utility or trail use. It also helps to check whether the vehicle still has its original wheel setup, because wheel width changes can affect which of the available products make the most sense.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter depending on the tire size and product selected. Most of the available options lean toward whitewall styling, while the raised white letter treatment appears in the 235/75R15 all-terrain offering.
That gives the Montero owner a real appearance decision instead of only a size decision. Whitewalls suit a more road-oriented or restoration-minded presentation, while raised white letters create a more truck-style look, so the right choice depends on how the vehicle is being finished and how closely the tire’s look should match its intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
Available Montero tires come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and Tornel. The exact brand mix depends on whether the vehicle uses 225/75R15 or 235/75R15, and some brands appear across more than one sidewall style or tire series.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a vehicle like this. It is more useful to compare the correct size first, then look at the tire series, sidewall presentation, load information, and wheel compatibility so the final choice matches both the Montero’s fitment needs and the way the vehicle is meant to be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
A period-style 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero starts with using the proper size for the exact sub-model, then choosing a radial tire whose sidewall treatment supports the vehicle’s intended presentation. In these sizes, that often means comparing narrow or wide whitewall options rather than treating every available tire as visually interchangeable.
The most appropriate look depends on whether the Montero is being preserved as a clean road-going SUV or given a more utility-focused stance. When exact historical originality matters, the best approach is to verify the vehicle’s original delivery configuration through marque references or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a particular sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
On the 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero, the primary fitments are already radial, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the style of radial you choose. Whitewall width, raised white letters, and tire-series character have a stronger visual effect than construction changes within this Montero’s covered fitments.
That means a restored truck can take on a noticeably different look even while staying within the correct size range. A narrow whitewall can feel restrained, a wide whitewall creates a more pronounced vintage presentation, and a raised white letter all-terrain leans toward a more rugged period-truck look, so appearance should be matched carefully to the build.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero?
Yes. A 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero may no longer have its original wheels, ride height, or suspension components, and those changes can affect how a 225/75R15 or 235/75R15 tire works on the vehicle. Wheel width, offset, and suspension alterations can all influence real-world fitment.
That is why a modified Montero should be checked at the wheel rather than judged by size code alone. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the vehicle’s current stance all matter, especially on an older SUV that may have been lifted, lowered, or fitted with aftermarket wheels during its life.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero on new tires?
Before driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct 15-inch rim setup, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the vehicle’s exact sub-model. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition during installation.
A road-ready inspection should also include suspension and steering components, especially on a vintage SUV that may have sat for long periods. Tire pressure, visible clearance at full steering lock, and any signs of rubbing deserve attention early, since catching those issues before regular use helps protect both the new tires and the vehicle.
How should tires on a collector 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero be maintained?
Collector tires on a 1988 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Even when tread looks usable, low-mileage vehicles can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or other issues simply from long storage and infrequent use.
Good storage habits make a difference on a vehicle from this era. Keeping the Montero away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting from long stationary periods. Any sign of bulges, cuts, or persistent pressure loss deserves professional inspection before road use.
