1998 Ford Trucks Expedition Tires

The 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition uses two primary tire sizes: 255/70R16 and 265/70R17. Both are radial sizes, and both appear on this model year depending on the wheel setup rather than being exclusive to only one trim line.

The most important step is confirming whether the vehicle has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels before choosing a tire. Since both sizes were used on Eddie Bauer and XLT models, the actual wheel on the SUV matters more than the badge on the body. Checking the existing tire sidewall and wheel diameter is the quickest way to avoid ordering the wrong size.

A 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on which tire size is on the vehicle. The 255/70R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, while the 265/70R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim.

That rim diameter is not interchangeable just because both sizes belong to the same model year. A 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel. It is also worth checking wheel width, especially if the Expedition has aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the original setup.

Eddie Bauer and XLT versions of the 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition share the same overall fitment pattern, but that does not mean every vehicle has the same installed tire size. Both sub-models can use either 255/70R16 or 265/70R17.

That is why trim name alone does not fully answer the fitment question on this Expedition. The actual wheel diameter on the vehicle needs to be confirmed first, especially on older SUVs that may have seen wheel changes over time. Once the installed rim size is known, the correct tire size becomes straightforward to narrow down.

Start with the correct primary size for the vehicle’s wheels: 255/70R16 or 265/70R17. From there, compare radial construction details that matter on a full-size SUV, including wheel-diameter match, rim-width compatibility, and load capacity that suits how the Expedition is actually driven and used.

The available choices here also carry an all-terrain design and raised white letter sidewall, which influence both appearance and use. A lightly driven street-focused Expedition may have different needs than one that sees cargo, towing, or rougher surfaces. Looking at wheel size first and load requirement second usually makes the best starting point for narrowing the options.

The available products for the 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition use an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letter styling. That gives the tire a distinctly truck-oriented look that fits the Expedition’s late-1990s sport-utility character better than a plain black sidewall would for many owners.

Sidewall appearance does not change the need to match the correct size and wheel diameter. It is still important to choose between 255/70R16 and 265/70R17 first, then confirm the tire’s rim-width range and load specification. Once those fitment basics are covered, sidewall treatment becomes the finishing detail that shapes the vehicle’s visual presentation.

The 265/70R17 options share the same BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 series and raised white letter sidewall, but they do not carry the same load rating. One version is rated at 2,470 lbs @ 50 psi, while another is rated at 3,195 lbs @ 80 psi.

That difference makes intended use especially important on a full-size SUV. An Expedition that sees heavier cargo demands or utility work may call for a different specification than one used primarily for casual road driving. Matching the tire to the vehicle’s wheel size is only the first step; load capacity and pressure rating deserve equal attention before making a final choice.

A period-style approach for a 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition starts with using the correct primary size for the wheel on the vehicle, either 255/70R16 or 265/70R17. The available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires with raised white letter sidewalls also suit the truck-based SUV look that was common in the late 1990s.

Appearance should still follow fitment, not the other way around. Confirm the actual rim diameter, verify wheel width, and choose a load specification that matches how the Expedition will be driven. For owners pursuing exact historical accuracy beyond general period style, factory literature or marque-specific references are still the right places to confirm presentation details.

On a 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial sizes. That means appearance differences come less from bias-ply versus radial concerns and more from the tire’s overall tread style, sidewall treatment, and whether the vehicle sits on the correct 16-inch or 17-inch wheel setup.

Raised white letter sidewalls help give this generation Expedition a more authentic late-1990s truck-SUV presence than a generic modern passenger-tire look. Even so, visual correctness depends on proportion as much as branding, so maintaining the proper size and wheel diameter matters. A tire that looks right on the sidewall but is wrong for the wheel can spoil the overall presentation.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can all change how much clearance the vehicle has at the fenders, steering components, and suspension points.

That is especially important on an SUV that may have been used for towing, off-road driving, or appearance upgrades over the years. A vehicle with non-original wheels should have both wheel diameter and wheel width checked before tire selection. Clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel is also worth confirming before putting the Expedition back into regular road use.

Before driving a 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the chosen specification. It also helps to check for suspension wear, uneven old-tire wear patterns, and any signs that alignment needs attention.

A full-size SUV places more demand on tires than a lighter passenger car, so condition around the tire matters. Look at steering response, wheel balance, and whether there is any rubbing once the vehicle is moving and turning. After the first few drives, recheck pressure and visually inspect the sidewalls and tread to confirm everything is settling in properly.

Tires on a collector-era 1998 Ford Trucks Expedition should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. Even an SUV that sees limited mileage can develop age-related issues simply from time, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting without regular road use.

Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the Expedition away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and moving the vehicle periodically helps avoid prolonged flat spotting. Before any longer drive, inspect the tires closely and confirm that both wheel fitment and inflation are still where they should be.