The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer sits squarely in the era when the midsize SUV became a true family, utility, and light-adventure staple. By the mid-1990s, Explorer buyers expected everyday road comfort, usable cargo space, and a stance that still looked at home on rougher ground. Tire selection on this model centers on three radial sizes: 225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16, so the first step is confirming which wheel and size package the truck actually uses. From raised white letter all-terrain styling to blackwall, whitewall, and redline choices in certain sizes, the right tire depends on whether the goal is stock-type road use, a custom look, or a more truck-oriented presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer
Three tire sizes apply to the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer, and the choice depends first on confirming wheel diameter. Two sizes use a 15-inch rim, while the largest option uses a 16-inch rim, so this is not a case where every Explorer takes the same tire automatically. Once the wheel size is verified, the decision shifts to the tire's look and use, from street-oriented radial styles to a more all-terrain presentation.
The 225/70R15 size uses modern metric radial sizing: 225 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size suits owners looking for a road-focused fitment on a 15-inch wheel. Available choices include Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, pin-white-stripe, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments. It is a useful size when appearance matters as much as staying with the proper basic dimensions for the vehicle's wheel setup.
The 235/75R15 size follows the same modern metric radial format, with a 235-millimeter section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim. This size gives the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer another 15-inch-wheel fitment path, but it should not be confused with the lower-profile 225/70R15 option. Product choices lean heavily toward whitewall variations, including narrow and wide whitewall styles, while BFGoodrich also offers an RWL all-terrain option. This size is worth evaluating carefully if the Explorer already wears 15-inch wheels and the goal is either a traditional sidewall look or a more truck-style visual character.
The 255/70R16 size is a modern metric radial with a 255-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size stands apart because it requires the larger wheel diameter, making wheel confirmation essential before selection. The available product choice in this size is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters, which gives it a distinctly truck-oriented appearance compared with many of the 15-inch options. It is the size to review when the Explorer has a 16-inch setup and a more utility-focused tire presentation is preferred.
Explorer trim level alone does not narrow the fitment to one tire size, because Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, and XLT can all be associated with the same three radial sizes. Checking the actual wheel diameter and the tire size already on the truck matters more than trim name when selecting a replacement.
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1996 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer can use 225/70R15, 235/75R15, or 255/70R16 radial tires. That makes wheel verification the key step, followed by choosing the sidewall style and overall tire character that best matches how the truck is used and presented.
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited is associated with all three primary radial sizes rather than one trim-exclusive fitment. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the truck has 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, then comparing available options by appearance, series, and intended road use.
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport can be fitted with 225/70R15, 235/75R15, or 255/70R16 radials. Because more than one size applies, the practical next step is to match the replacement tire to the wheel already on the vehicle instead of choosing by sub-model name alone.
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer XL shares the same three radial fitment possibilities found elsewhere in the Explorer range. A correct choice depends on identifying the actual wheel and tire package first, then deciding whether a street-style, whitewall, or more all-terrain look makes the most sense.
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT may use any of the three primary radial sizes tied to this model year. That means replacement planning should begin at the truck itself by checking current wheel diameter and size, especially before moving between 15-inch and 16-inch 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 Ford Trucks Explorer Tires for Sale
Available 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer tires span Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Depending on size, buyers can compare all-terrain and street-oriented radial series along with RWL, blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, pin-white-stripe, and redline sidewall styles.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer, how the 15-inch and 16-inch wheel packages affect selection, and how to compare sidewall styles, brands, maintenance needs, and modified-vehicle fitment checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer can use three primary radial tire sizes: 225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16. The first two sizes are built for 15-inch rims, while 255/70R16 is built for a 16-inch rim, so there is more than one correct fitment path within this model year.
The practical next step is to verify the wheel diameter and the tire size already on the truck before choosing a replacement. Since every major Explorer sub-model can be associated with these same sizes, trim name alone is not enough to select a tire. Wheel changes, aftermarket upgrades, or past owner substitutions can also affect what belongs on the vehicle now.
What size rim does a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the tire size fitted to the vehicle. Both 225/70R15 and 235/75R15 are 15-inch sizes, while 255/70R16 is a 16-inch size, so rim diameter must match the tire exactly.
This matters because a 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, and a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel. Before replacing anything, check the size molded into the current tire sidewall and confirm the actual wheel on the truck. That quick step prevents ordering the right-looking tire in the wrong diameter.
Why does the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer was offered with more than one wheel-and-tire package, which is why 225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16 all appear as valid primary sizes. The difference is not tied to one single trim, since Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, and XLT can all be associated with these fitments.
That means replacement decisions should be made from the truck's actual setup rather than from model name alone. Checking the current tire size, wheel diameter, and overall stance is the safest way to narrow the choice. It also helps reveal whether the Explorer still has its expected wheel package or has been changed at some point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer tire?
Start with the correct size and wheel diameter, since the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer can use either 15-inch or 16-inch fitments depending on the package on the vehicle. From there, compare tire character by looking at radial construction, sidewall treatment, load capacity at stated pressure where relevant, and whether the tire is aimed more at highway use or a truck-oriented all-terrain look.
Appearance and use often drive the final choice. A whitewall or pin-striped radial can give the Explorer a more custom or restoration-minded presentation, while an RWL all-terrain tire shifts the look toward utility. Rim-width specifications are also worth checking, especially if the truck has replacement wheels rather than its original-style rims.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer include raised white letter, blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, pin-white-stripe, and redline, depending on the tire size selected. The broadest variety appears in 225/70R15 and 235/75R15, while 255/70R16 is represented by an RWL all-terrain style.
That range gives the Explorer owner room to shape the truck's visual tone without changing the basic tire size. A blackwall keeps the presentation understated, whitewalls move toward a more traditional or custom look, and raised white letters create a stronger truck-era visual. Sidewall appearance should always come after confirming the right size and wheel diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tires for the 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer are available from Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability varies by size, with the widest selection appearing in the two 15-inch sizes and a narrower product range in 255/70R16.
Brand name is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare the series offered in the correct size, the sidewall style, the rim-width specification, and whether the tire is aimed at a street-oriented or all-terrain presentation. That approach keeps the focus on matching the Explorer's actual setup and the owner's intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A period-style 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer usually starts with keeping the correct primary size already used on the truck, then choosing a radial with an appearance that matches the desired look. In the 15-inch sizes, that can mean anything from blackwall and raised white letter styling to narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, pin-white-stripe, or even redline presentation.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a stock-type 1990s SUV appearance, a custom show-truck flavor, or a cleaner street presentation. Since sidewall treatments available today cover several different visual directions, appearance should be matched carefully to the vehicle's overall theme. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque-specific references and period photography.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer?
On a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. That means the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the size selected, the sidewall treatment, and whether the tread and lettering give the truck a road-focused, custom, or more utility-oriented appearance.
For a restoration-minded Explorer, staying with the correct radial size for the wheel package preserves the overall proportions better than chasing a dramatic visual change through size alone. The strongest appearance choices on this model are sidewall style and tire series. Those details can make the truck look restrained, upscale, sporty, or more rugged without abandoning proper basic fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer even when the tire size seems close to one of the primary options. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, different offsets, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or fender alterations can all change clearance and how the tire sits under the truck.
That is especially important on an Explorer that can use both 15-inch and 16-inch combinations from the start. A replacement tire should be checked against the wheel actually on the vehicle, along with steering clearance and space at full suspension movement. A truck that has been altered should never be evaluated by trim level alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their application. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.
A short clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for contact points near the fenders and suspension, and verify that lug hardware is properly seated. After the first drives, recheck air pressure and watch for any uneven wear pattern that might suggest alignment or wheel-fit issues.
How often should tires on a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 1996 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, especially if the truck sees occasional-use, hobby, or seasonal driving. Visual checks for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and air loss are just as important as monitoring tread depth, since an older SUV may spend long stretches parked between drives.
A good routine is to look them over before road trips and at regular intervals even when the Explorer is not being driven much. Storage conditions matter too, because prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure can age tires prematurely. Keeping pressures stable and moving the truck periodically also helps protect the tires during low-use periods.
