The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 sits in the square-body era that made GMC heavy-duty pickups a long-running favorite for work, towing, and four-wheel-drive utility. Buyers looking after one today are often balancing original truck character with dependable road use, especially on trucks that still wear stock-style 16-inch wheels. Tire fitment for this exact K2500 centers on two radial sizes, 225/75R16 and 245/75R16, depending on the sub-model. Available choices stay focused rather than broad, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 coverage in raised white letter form. The key is matching the tire to the truck’s exact cab and suspension configuration before comparing load capacity, rim-width range, and overall stance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are radial tires for 16-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether the truck is a regular cab, extended cab, or heavy-duty suspension version. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to selecting the right tire within the correct size while keeping an eye on load capacity, wheel width, and the truck’s intended use.
Fit(s): Sierra Ext. Cab, Sierra SLE Ext. Cab, Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension, Sierra SLX Ext. Cab, and Sierra w/H.D. Suspension
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
245/75R16 is a metric radial size in which 245 represents section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500, this size serves the extended cab and heavy-duty suspension-related fitments and supports the truck’s heavier-duty, utility-minded character. In available product coverage, it appears as a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. This size deserves a close look when the truck needs the proper 16-inch fitment along with suitable wheel-width compatibility and load capability for real pickup use.
Fit(s): Sierra Reg. Cab, Sierra SLE Reg. Cab, and Sierra SLX Reg. Cab
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/75R16 is also a metric radial size, with 225 denoting section width in millimeters, 75 indicating the profile, R marking radial construction, and 16 showing the rim diameter in inches. On the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500, this size is used on several regular cab configurations, making it the important fitment to confirm before choosing a tire. The available product offering is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 in raised white letter form. This size is the right one to evaluate when preserving the proper wheel fit and overall tire package for a regular cab K2500 on stock-style 16-inch rims.
Tire fitment on the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact configuration matters before choosing a replacement. Regular cab trucks use a different size than extended cab and heavy-duty suspension versions, even though all of them use radial tires on 16-inch wheels.
1
1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra Ext. Cab
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra Ext. Cab uses the larger of the two primary radial fitments offered for this model range. That makes size confirmation simple, but it is still worth comparing wheel width and load capability before settling on a replacement tire.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra Reg. Cab uses the smaller primary radial size found on this truck line. Tire selection here centers on staying with the correct 16-inch fitment while matching the truck’s wheel setup and intended road or light off-road use.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE Ext. Cab shares the same larger radial fitment used by other extended cab and heavy-duty related versions. That keeps replacement choices straightforward once the sub-model is confirmed, with attention then turning to wheel-width compatibility and tire specifications.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE Reg. Cab follows the regular cab fitment rather than the larger extended cab size. Choosing tires for this truck starts with that distinction, then moves to practical details such as rim match, load rating, and overall tire character.
1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension uses the larger radial fitment associated with the heavier-duty setup. For tire selection, that makes suspension designation just as important as trim name, especially if the truck has had wheels or running gear changed over time.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLX Ext. Cab uses the same larger 16-inch radial fitment as other extended cab versions. Once that is confirmed, the practical comparison is between tire specifications that support the truck’s stance, wheel width, and working-duty expectations.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLX Reg. Cab uses the regular cab tire size rather than the larger extended cab fitment. That makes accurate sub-model identification important before buying, particularly on trucks that may have seen wheel swaps or suspension changes during their lives.
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra w/H.D. Suspension uses the larger primary radial size in this application. Buyers comparing tires for this version should confirm that the truck still has the expected wheel setup, then focus on load capacity, rim-width range, and intended use.
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 GMC Trucks K2500 Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 focus on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options in both primary sizes. The comparison is straightforward: both are radial 16-inch tires with raised white letter sidewalls, but load capacity, weight, and rim-width range differ by size.
Common questions for the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 usually come down to the correct tire size by sub-model, 16-inch rim fitment, and how to choose between the available radial options. Buyers also tend to check wheel changes, truck use, and basic inspection points before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500?
A 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 uses either 245/75R16 or 225/75R16, depending on the sub-model. Extended cab and heavy-duty suspension versions use 245/75R16, while several regular cab versions use 225/75R16. Both are radial tire sizes designed for 16-inch wheels.
The important step is matching the tire to the truck’s exact configuration instead of ordering by model name alone. Cab style and suspension designation change the fitment, so it helps to verify the sub-model, check the current wheel size on the truck, and compare the existing tire markings before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 are built around a 16-inch rim diameter. Both 245/75R16 and 225/75R16 are 16-inch radial sizes, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size changes across sub-models.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a three-quarter-ton pickup. Wheel width also matters, and the available tires in these sizes are intended for different width ranges. A quick check of the wheel itself helps avoid problems when a truck has had aftermarket wheels, replacement steel wheels, or later-model takeoffs installed.
Why does the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 have more than one tire size?
The 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with the truck’s configuration. Regular cab versions use 225/75R16, while extended cab and heavy-duty suspension models use 245/75R16. Both remain radial 16-inch fitments, but the size choice reflects the specific setup of the truck.
That difference means the first buying decision is identifying the exact sub-model rather than comparing tread patterns or sidewall styling. A K2500 that has been modified over the years may also wear different wheels or tires than it originally used, so checking the truck itself before purchase is just as important as knowing the model designation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the truck’s exact sub-model: 245/75R16 or 225/75R16. Both available fitments are radial 16-inch tires, so the next comparison points are load capacity, rim-width range, tire weight, and whether the truck’s current wheel setup still matches the intended size.
A three-quarter-ton pickup places more importance on practical fitment than appearance alone. Think about how the K2500 is actually used, whether for general cruising, hauling, or mixed on-road and off-road driving. That approach helps narrow the right tire without overlooking wheel compatibility or the truck’s real working demands.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 tires?
The available tires for the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 use an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letters. That gives the truck a traditional late-1980s light-truck look and suits the all-terrain character of the current tire offering in both primary sizes.
Sidewall style affects appearance more than fitment, but it can still shape the truck’s finished look in a noticeable way. Raised white letters tend to complement period-style pickup builds, while the main technical decisions still come back to using the correct tire size, matching the wheel width, and choosing a tire with suitable load support.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500?
BFGoodrich is the brand available for the 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 in the current product coverage for both primary sizes. The tire series offered is the All-Terrain T/A KO2, giving the truck a consistent product family whether it uses 225/75R16 or 245/75R16.
With a focused brand selection, the buying process becomes less about comparing multiple manufacturers and more about confirming the right size and specification for the truck. It still pays to review the details that differ between the two fitments, especially load capacity, weight, and compatible rim-width range for the wheel already on the vehicle.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 GMC Trucks K2500?
For a period-style 1989 GMC Trucks K2500, the right starting point is the correct original fitment type for the exact sub-model: 225/75R16 for several regular cab versions or 245/75R16 for extended cab and heavy-duty suspension models. Both are radial 16-inch sizes, which suits the truck’s late-1980s character.
Appearance should follow fitment, not the other way around. A tire that matches the truck’s proper size and wheel setup will usually look more convincing than one chosen only for stance. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration may also want to compare surviving literature, original photos, or marque-specific references before settling on a final presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 GMC Trucks K2500?
On a restored 1989 GMC Trucks K2500, tire construction affects both visual character and overall proportion. This truck uses radial primary fitments, so staying with the proper radial size preserves the look associated with late-1980s heavy-duty pickups rather than shifting the truck toward an earlier visual style.
Construction also influences sidewall shape and how the tire sits on the wheel, which can subtly change the truck’s stance. Even on a restoration-oriented build, the best appearance usually comes from using the correct size for the specific sub-model and making sure the wheel width and overall setup still suit that tire.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension lifts, worn springs, or steering and brake changes can all alter how a 225/75R16 or 245/75R16 tire sits and clears the truck.
A truck that looks stock may still have replacement parts that change the fitment picture. It helps to inspect wheel diameter and width, look for rubbing marks, and confirm clearance at full steering lock before committing to new tires. That is especially important on older pickups that have been used, repaired, and upgraded over many years.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the truck’s exact sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire and intended use. It is also smart to check valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition at the same time.
The rest of the truck matters too, especially on an older three-quarter-ton pickup. Look over steering components, shocks, springs, and alignment condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for worn chassis parts. A short initial drive followed by a recheck for air loss, unusual wear, or clearance issues is a sensible final step.
How should 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1989 GMC Trucks K2500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to wear patterns across the tread. Even when a truck is not driven often, sidewall aging, cuts, punctures, and slow air loss can develop over time and deserve prompt attention.
Storage and use patterns have a big effect on an older pickup. A K2500 that sits for long periods benefits from being kept away from prolonged sun exposure and excess moisture, while a truck that still works regularly should have its tires checked more often for load-related stress and uneven wear. Consistent inspection helps preserve both safety and tire life.
