The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 sits in the era when heavy-duty pickups were expected to work hard, haul confidently, and still cover real road miles with simple, durable running gear. For owners restoring one, keeping one in service, or sorting out a dually setup, tire choice matters because this truck can appear with more than one correct fitment approach. The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 uses 16-inch tires in 215/85R16, 750-16, or 235/85R16 depending on configuration and sub-model. That opens the door to bias-ply truck tires, modern radial sizing, and very different sidewall and tread personalities. The key is matching the truck's exact setup before choosing for appearance, load use, or road manners.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than wheel diameter, since all of them use a 16-inch rim. Some configurations use radial construction, while another uses a vintage-style 750-16 bias-ply fitment, so identifying whether the truck is a DRW model or a Base model is the first step before comparing tread style, sidewall treatment, or construction type.
215/85R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter. On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, this size represents a modern radial fitment rather than a vintage numeric truck tire. It is useful for buyers who want to stay with the radial sizing used on the applicable D350 configuration. Before selecting a tire in this size, confirm the exact truck setup so the radial fitment matches the intended wheel and body configuration.
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with 7.50 indicating nominal section width in inches and 16 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, this size is the bias-ply alternative used on the applicable dual rear wheel configuration and gives the truck a more traditional heavy-duty presentation. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall options as well as truck-oriented series such as NDT, Super Traxion, Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. This size deserves a close look when the goal is vintage-style truck fitment or a restoration-oriented appearance.
235/85R16 is a metric radial size in which 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter. On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, this size applies to the Base model and is a different radial fitment from the DRW sizing. Available product choice here centers on a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. This size is the one to evaluate when the truck is a Base model and the owner wants a radial tire with a more modern truck appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 because the covered configurations do not all use the same tire size. Confirming whether the truck is a DRW model or a Base model is the first step before comparing radial and bias-ply choices on the correct 16-inch wheel setup.
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1989 Dodge Trucks D350 (DRW)
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 (DRW) uses either a 215/85R16 radial or a 750-16 bias-ply tire, both on 16-inch rims. That gives the owner a choice between modern radial sizing and a traditional numeric truck fitment, so construction style and intended truck appearance become central to the decision.
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 Base uses a 235/85R16 radial tire on a 16-inch wheel. Tire selection here is more straightforward, with the focus shifting from size identification to choosing the right radial product character and confirming wheel width compatibility.
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 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 tire choices range from bias-ply 750-16 options by Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA to a radial 235/85R16 BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewalls along with truck, military, highway, and all-terrain tire series.
Common 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 tire questions usually come down to the exact sub-model, the difference between 750-16 bias-ply and modern radial sizing, and what to inspect before putting a heavy-duty vintage truck back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 uses one of three primary tire sizes: 215/85R16, 750-16, or 235/85R16. The DRW version uses 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, while the Base model uses 235/85R16 radial. All of these fitments are built around a 16-inch rim.
The practical decision is identifying the truck's exact sub-model before choosing a tire. A DRW truck opens the choice between modern radial sizing and a vintage-style numeric bias-ply truck tire, while the Base model points to 235/85R16. If the truck has had wheel changes over the years, confirm the actual wheel size and width before ordering.
What size rim does a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 use?
The tire fitments covered for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 all use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the truck is using 215/85R16, 750-16, or 235/85R16, so the main fitment difference is not rim diameter but the tire size and construction tied to the sub-model.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole question, especially on an older heavy-duty truck. A 16-inch wheel still needs to be checked for width and overall suitability for the intended tire, particularly when comparing a 750-16 bias-ply with metric radials. Trucks that have been modified or fitted with replacement wheels deserve a closer inspection before selection.
Why does the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 because fitment changes with configuration. The DRW model can use either a 215/85R16 radial or a 750-16 bias-ply tire, while the Base model uses 235/85R16 radial. The size difference reflects different truck setups rather than one universal fitment for every D350.
That means the first step is confirming the exact version of the truck before focusing on tread style or sidewall appearance. On a DRW truck, the choice can also involve deciding whether to keep a bias-ply presentation or stay with radial construction. Looking at the wheel setup and any previous modifications helps avoid choosing by size name alone.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the vintage numeric truck fitment used on the applicable DRW configuration, and the available products in this size are bias-ply offerings rather than radials.
That matters because a 750-16 choice affects both appearance and construction character. Buyers comparing it with a radial D350 fitment should verify wheel width, intended truck use, and the overall setup before changing constructions. A truck kept for restoration-minded presentation may point one way, while one aimed at modern road use may point another.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
The right answer depends on the truck's exact sub-model and your goals for the vehicle. A 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 can appear with radial fitments such as 215/85R16 or 235/85R16, while the DRW configuration can also use the 750-16 bias-ply size. Both constructions belong in the conversation for this truck, but not every size applies to every setup.
Bias-ply usually appeals to owners focused on traditional truck appearance or a period-style restoration direction, while radial sizing may better match a modern-use mindset. The important step is confirming the actual wheel and truck configuration before changing from one construction type to another. Clearance, wheel width, and the intended way the truck will be driven should guide the decision.
What should I check before converting my 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the truck's sub-model actually supports a radial fitment in the size being considered. On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350, the DRW model uses 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, while the Base model uses 235/85R16 radial, so the first question is matching the conversion to the correct configuration.
After that, inspect the actual wheels on the truck and compare the tire's rim-width requirements with the wheel in place. Steering and body clearance should also be checked, especially if the truck has replacement wheels, suspension changes, or dually-specific hardware. A conversion should be treated as a full fitment review rather than a simple switch in construction type.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-16 tire for a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
A 750-16 tire for a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 should be chosen by starting with the correct DRW application and then narrowing the field by construction style, intended truck use, and appearance. Available 750-16 choices include classic bias-ply passenger-style offerings along with military and truck-oriented designs, so the category is broader than one simple tread pattern.
Brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width range, weight, and load capacity can all influence the final choice. A wide whitewall creates a very different visual impression from a blackwall truck tire, and a Transport Highway or NDT-style product serves a different purpose from a classic bias-ply presentation. Matching those details to the truck's role makes the size easier to sort out.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter depending on tire size. The 750-16 bias-ply selections include blackwall and wide whitewall options, while the 235/85R16 radial product uses raised white lettering.
That makes sidewall treatment an important visual decision, especially on a truck that may be restored, preserved, or personalized. A blackwall leans work-truck and utilitarian, a wide whitewall gives a more stylized vintage look, and raised white letters create a later truck appearance. The right choice depends on the size required for the truck and the presentation you want once the tires are mounted.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
Brands available for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 include Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA. Most of that variety appears in the 750-16 bias-ply category, while the 235/85R16 radial option is represented by BFGoodrich in an All Terrain T/A KO2 configuration.
Brand alone should not drive the decision on a truck like this. The more useful comparison is how each product differs by size, sidewall style, tire series, load specification, and intended character. Once the truck's correct fitment is confirmed, those distinctions help narrow the field far better than choosing only by the name on the sidewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
A period-style direction for a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 often starts with choosing the correct size for the exact sub-model and then deciding whether a traditional bias-ply presentation suits the truck. On DRW applications, 750-16 opens the door to classic blackwall, wide whitewall, and truck-oriented bias-ply choices that look very different from a modern metric radial.
The most convincing appearance usually comes from matching tire construction and sidewall treatment to the truck's intended era and personality. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare their truck against factory literature, marque references, or restoration documentation before treating any one sidewall or tire series as authoritative. Period-style and exact originality are not always the same thing.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 more than many buyers expect. A 750-16 bias-ply tire gives the truck a more traditional heavy-duty stance and opens access to classic sidewall treatments, while metric radial sizes such as 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 usually present a more modern look.
That difference matters even before the truck turns a wheel, especially on a restoration-minded build where wheel opening fill and sidewall style shape the whole impression. Construction should still follow the correct sub-model fitment first, then the visual goal. Once size is confirmed, the choice becomes one of traditional presentation versus a later radial look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 even when the truck still uses a 16-inch wheel. Replacement wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and brake updates can all influence whether the intended tire size and construction remain appropriate for the truck's actual setup.
That is especially important on a D350 because the covered fitments already vary by sub-model and construction type. A DRW truck with altered wheels should be measured carefully before moving between 750-16 bias-ply and radial sizing. Checking wheel dimensions and observing steering and body clearance under load will tell you more than the wheel diameter stamp alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the truck's sub-model, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. Lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel condition deserve the same attention.
A short, careful road test is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, watch for steering pull, and recheck pressure after the first miles. On an older heavy-duty truck, it also helps to inspect suspension, steering, and brake components at the same time, since worn parts can affect how the new tires track and carry the truck.
How should tires on a collector 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1989 Dodge Trucks D350 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Pressure should be checked before road use, and long-stored vehicles deserve a close look because age and storage conditions can affect tire condition well before the tread wears out.
Good storage habits make a real difference on a low-use truck. Keeping the D350 away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement can reduce flat spotting on stored vehicles. Before any longer drive, confirm the tires still suit the truck's current wheel setup and intended load rather than assuming an older installation is still ready.