The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 came from the first wave of the bold, big-rig-inspired Ram redesign that gave Dodge heavy-duty pickups a much stronger visual presence in the 1990s. Whether used as a work truck, a tow rig, or a preserved example of a hard-working era of pickups, tire fitment on this model is tied closely to cab and GVWR configuration. This Ram 2500 uses radial 16-inch tire sizes, with 245/75R16 appearing across most sub-models and 225/75R16 also used on certain regular cab 7500 GVWR versions. Available choices stay focused on LT all-terrain radial construction with raised white letter styling, so the main task is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup before selecting a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500, and both are radial tires built for 16-inch wheels. The key step is identifying the exact sub-model first, because most configurations use 245/75R16 while certain 4x2 and 4x4 regular cab 7500 GVWR trucks can use either 225/75R16 or 245/75R16. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to matching the tire to the truck’s wheel width, load needs, and intended use.
245/75R16 is a metric radial size where 245 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500, this is the more common of the two primary fitments and appears across chassis cab, club cab, and many regular cab versions. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. This size is the one to evaluate first on most Ram 2500 configurations, while still confirming wheel width and the truck’s exact GVWR-based application.
225/75R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500, this size is tied specifically to certain 4x2 and 4x4 regular cab 7500 GVWR applications rather than the full model line. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is available here as well, also in a raised white letter presentation. This size deserves closer attention when a regular cab truck has retained its original wheel setup, since using the right width and load-rated LT tire matters on a heavy-duty pickup.
Sub-model fitment on the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 is not completely uniform. Most configurations use 245/75R16, but certain regular cab 7500 GVWR trucks are associated with both 225/75R16 and 245/75R16, making the exact sub-model and wheel setup worth confirming before choosing a tire.
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1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x2 Chassis Cab
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x2 Chassis Cab uses the 245/75R16 radial size. Tire selection here centers on matching that 16-inch fitment to the truck’s working role, wheel width, and load-carrying requirements rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x2 Club Cab uses the 245/75R16 radial size. That keeps tire selection straightforward, with the focus shifting to LT construction, sidewall presentation, and making sure the wheels on the truck still match the intended fitment.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x2 Reg. Cab (GVWR 7500) is the configuration that needs the closest fitment check, because both 225/75R16 and 245/75R16 are associated with it. Wheel width, the truck’s actual setup, and any previous tire-size changes should be verified before settling on a replacement.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x2 Reg. Cab (GVWR 8800) uses the 245/75R16 radial size. That means the main decision is less about size choice and more about selecting the right LT tire within that fitment for road use, towing, or general truck duty.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x4 Chassis Cab uses the 245/75R16 radial size. Tire selection should stay centered on that 16-inch fitment while also accounting for wheel width, load needs, and the truck’s current suspension and chassis condition.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x4 Club Cab uses 245/75R16 radials. With size fitment staying simple, the next step is choosing the right LT tire characteristics for the truck’s use and confirming that the existing wheels still suit the tire’s recommended rim-width range.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x4 Reg. Cab (GVWR 7500) can use either 225/75R16 or 245/75R16, so this sub-model needs a closer look than the others. Checking the wheels already on the truck is especially important before replacing tires, particularly if it has seen work-truck changes over the years.
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 4x4 Reg. Cab (GVWR 8800) uses the 245/75R16 radial size. Tire choice here is mainly about selecting an LT tire that matches the truck’s wheel width and expected use rather than deciding between multiple primary fitments.
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 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 Tires for Sale
Available 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 tire choices center on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 fitments in 245/75R16 and 225/75R16. Both are radial LT tires for 16-inch wheels with raised white letter styling, while rim-width and load-capacity differences make the exact size choice important.
Owners of a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 usually need to sort out the exact tire size, 16-inch wheel fitment, LT radial selection, and how cab style or GVWR affects the final choice. These FAQs focus on those truck-specific fitment and road-use details.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500?
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 uses two primary radial tire sizes: 245/75R16 and 225/75R16. Most covered sub-models use 245/75R16, while certain 4x2 and 4x4 regular cab trucks with a 7500 GVWR are associated with both 225/75R16 and 245/75R16.
That means the right starting point is the truck’s exact sub-model, especially on regular cab 7500 GVWR versions. Checking the current wheel width, the tire size already on the truck, and any changes made over the years helps prevent choosing a size that does not match the truck’s intended wheel and load setup.
What size rim does a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to 245/75R16 and 225/75R16 fitments, so rim diameter remains consistent even though the truck can be associated with more than one tire size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a heavy-duty pickup. Wheel width still matters, because the available LT tires have their own recommended rim-width ranges, and trucks that have seen wheel swaps or work-truck modifications should be checked carefully before mounting replacement tires.
Why does the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 has more than one tire size because fitment varies by configuration. Most chassis cab, club cab, and higher-GVWR regular cab versions use 245/75R16, while certain regular cab 7500 GVWR trucks are associated with both 225/75R16 and 245/75R16.
That variation means tire selection is tied to how the truck was configured rather than the model name alone. A buyer should confirm the exact regular cab or cab-chassis application, inspect the wheels actually on the truck, and avoid assuming that every Ram 2500 from 1996 uses the same LT tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/75R16 tire for a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500?
A 245/75R16 tire for a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 should first match the correct sub-model and wheel setup, since this is the most common size but not the only one used across the model line. The available choice in this fitment is an LT radial BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling.
Selection should then focus on how the truck is actually used. A work-oriented or towing-oriented Ram benefits from checking wheel-width compatibility, load capacity, and tire condition standards closely, while a lightly driven truck may place more emphasis on sidewall appearance and maintaining a consistent overall look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 tires?
The available tire choices for the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 use RWL sidewalls, meaning raised white letter styling. That gives these LT radial truck tires a more traditional all-terrain appearance than a plain blackwall and suits the period feel of a 1990s heavy-duty pickup.
Sidewall style should still come after correct fitment. On this Ram 2500, the main decision remains whether the truck needs 225/75R16 or 245/75R16, followed by matching the tire to the proper wheel width and the truck’s intended road, towing, or utility use.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500?
BFGoodrich offers the applicable tire choices shown for the 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500, in both 245/75R16 and 225/75R16. The available products are part of the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series and use radial LT construction with raised white letter sidewalls.
Brand alone is not the full decision on a truck like this. The more important step is choosing the correct size for the sub-model, then making sure the wheel width, load capacity, and intended use line up with the tire so the Ram keeps the right heavy-duty fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500?
A period-style 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 tire choice starts with the correct size for the truck’s exact configuration: usually 245/75R16, or in some regular cab 7500 GVWR cases, 225/75R16. Keeping the original-style size relationship matters more to the truck’s stance and presentation than chasing a different size for appearance alone.
Raised white letter sidewalls can complement the 1990s truck look, especially on an all-terrain LT radial. Buyers focused on exact restoration details should still compare the truck against era-specific photos, sales literature, or marque references before treating any modern product styling as a precise original-match choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 restoration because size choice affects the truck’s visual balance, wheel relationship, and overall stance. Using 245/75R16 where it belongs, or 225/75R16 on the applicable regular cab 7500 GVWR setups, keeps the truck closer to its intended presentation.
Fitment also affects how convincingly the truck comes together as a restoration-oriented project. Even when the goal is mainly appearance, wheel width, tire construction, and load-rated LT specifications should still be checked carefully so the finished truck looks right and remains suitable for real road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lift components, altered ride height, or previous work-truck conversions can change the relationship between the tire, wheel, steering components, and body clearances even when the nominal tire size sounds correct.
A truck that still uses the original-style 16-inch setup is easier to size correctly, but modified examples need a closer inspection. Measuring the actual wheel width, confirming the installed tire size, and checking clearance at full steering lock helps avoid fitment problems before replacement tires are mounted.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is in proper condition, and make sure the selected tire size matches the truck’s configuration. Tire pressure should also be set correctly, and the tires should be checked for proper seating and visible clearance around suspension and steering parts.
A heavy-duty pickup deserves a short, careful road test before regular use. Pay attention to steering feel, any rubbing under turns or compression, and signs of uneven stance that could point to suspension wear, wheel mismatch, or a tire size that needs another fitment review.
How should 245/75R16 or 225/75R16 tires on a collector 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 be maintained?
245/75R16 or 225/75R16 tires on a collector 1996 Dodge Trucks Ram 2500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to tread wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss. Even a lightly used truck can age its tires significantly if it spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter nearly as much as mileage on a preserved pickup. Keeping the Ram away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting on trucks that are driven only seasonally or for shows.
