The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the era when the SUV had fully moved into everyday family, towing, and light-trail duty, yet still kept a truck-based character that matters when choosing tires today. Buyers looking at one of these Explorers are usually balancing utility, period-appropriate appearance, and the realities of modern road use. Tire fitment spans three primary radial sizes—225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16—so the first decision is confirming which wheel and tire package the truck actually carries. From raised white letter and blackwall styles to whitewall and all-terrain choices, the right match depends on your trim, wheel diameter, and how original or personalized you want the Explorer to look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends first on confirming the wheel diameter on the truck. Two sizes fit 15-inch wheels and one fits a 16-inch wheel, with all three using radial construction across the covered sub-models. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the decision shifts to the tire's profile, appearance, and whether you want a more road-oriented, whitewall, raised white letter, or all-terrain presentation.
The 225/70R15 size uses modern metric sizing: 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer, this is a fully modern radial fitment rather than an older bias-ply or vintage alphanumeric size. Available choices include Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, pin-white-stripe, and raised white letter styles. This size is a strong fitment to evaluate when the truck carries 15-inch wheels and the goal is to match utility with a specific period-inspired look.
The 235/75R15 size follows the same modern metric format, with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer, it offers a taller-profile 15-inch radial option within the primary fitment range. Product choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar, with raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size deserves a close look when the truck has 15-inch wheels and you want either a traditional whitewall appearance or an all-terrain style without moving to a 16-inch wheel.
The 255/70R16 size is a modern metric radial with a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer, this fitment stands apart because it requires the larger 16-inch wheel rather than either of the 15-inch wheel setups. The available product selection centers on BFGoodrich's All-Terrain T/A KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall, giving this size a more truck-oriented character than the whitewall-heavy 15-inch offerings. It is the size to confirm when the Explorer has 16-inch wheels and a more rugged visual or road-use direction is part of the plan.
Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, and XLT models all appear with the same three primary tire sizes, so trim name alone does not narrow the fitment to one choice. Checking the actual wheel diameter on the truck remains the key step before selecting tires.
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1998 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer appears with the same range of radial tire sizes used across the broader Explorer lineup. Tire selection comes down to confirming whether the truck has 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, then choosing the sidewall style and tire character that best fits its intended look and use.
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited shares the same primary radial fitment range as the other covered sub-models. That means the practical next step is wheel verification, followed by deciding whether a whitewall, raised white letter, blackwall, or more truck-oriented tire presentation suits the vehicle best.
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport uses the same group of radial tire sizes found elsewhere in the Explorer range. Choosing correctly still depends on the actual wheel package on the vehicle, especially since 15-inch and 16-inch fitments lead to very different tire options and overall appearance.
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer XL falls within the same primary tire-size group as the other listed trims. A buyer should confirm the wheel diameter already on the truck, then compare the available tire styles to decide between a straightforward road tire look, whitewall treatment, or a more utility-focused option.
The 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT also uses the same range of radial tire sizes seen across the covered sub-models. Selection is less about the trim badge and more about verifying the wheel setup, then matching the tire's sidewall style and overall character to the way the Explorer is being restored, maintained, or driven.
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 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tire choices span 225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16 in radial construction, with BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar represented. Depending on size, the product grid includes raised white letter, blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and pin-white-stripe styles.
Common 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tire questions usually center on identifying the correct size, confirming 15-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment, and choosing between raised white letter, whitewall, blackwall, or all-terrain tire styles for the truck's intended use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer uses one of three primary radial tire sizes: 225/70R15, 235/75R15, or 255/70R16. Those sizes cover the listed Explorer sub-models, including Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, and XLT, so the model name alone does not point to a single tire size.
The key step is checking the wheel diameter already on the truck. Both 225/70R15 and 235/75R15 fit 15-inch wheels, while 255/70R16 fits a 16-inch wheel. Once that is confirmed, compare the available tire styles within the correct size, especially if the Explorer has been modified or no longer carries its original wheel package.
What size rim does a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on which of the primary tire sizes is on the vehicle. The 225/70R15 and 235/75R15 sizes use 15-inch wheels, while the 255/70R16 size uses a 16-inch wheel.
That distinction matters because tire sizes do not cross between 15-inch and 16-inch rims. Reading the wheel or tire sidewall is the quickest way to confirm what is actually on the truck today. If aftermarket wheels have been installed, verify both wheel diameter and wheel width before narrowing the search to a specific Explorer tire.
Do all 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, and XLT Explorers all appear with the same three primary radial tire sizes: 225/70R15, 235/75R15, and 255/70R16. In that sense, the covered sub-models share the same overall fitment range rather than each trim having one exclusive tire size.
That still does not mean every individual Explorer uses all three sizes interchangeably. The correct tire depends on the wheel diameter and setup on the vehicle in front of you. A trim badge helps identify the truck, but the tire sidewall and actual wheel measurement are what determine the correct size to select.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tire?
Start with the correct size and wheel diameter, since the 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer can use 225/70R15, 235/75R15, or 255/70R16. All are radial tires, but the available product mix changes a great deal by size, from road-oriented whitewall and blackwall options to raised white letter and all-terrain choices.
After confirming size, compare the tire's intended look and use. A truck kept close to its late-1990s appearance may call for a straightforward radial or raised white letter style, while a more customized Explorer might suit whitewalls or redlines. Rim-width compatibility, load figures, and the vehicle's current wheel setup are worth checking before making the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
Sidewall styles for 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tires include raised white letter, blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and pin-white-stripe, depending on the tire size. The broadest appearance variety is found in the 225/70R15 range, while 235/75R15 also offers a strong whitewall selection.
The right sidewall style depends on how the Explorer is being presented. Raised white letters tend to keep a truck or SUV look, blackwalls stay understated, and whitewalls or redlines move the truck toward a more customized or restoration-influenced appearance. Always choose the sidewall style only after confirming the correct primary tire size and wheel diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Available brands for the 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability depends on tire size, with the widest assortment appearing in the 15-inch Explorer fitments rather than the 16-inch 255/70R16 option.
Comparing brands is most useful after the correct size is established. Some lines emphasize raised white letter truck styling, while others focus more on whitewall or traditional radial presentation. Instead of choosing by brand name alone, look at the tire series, sidewall treatment, wheel compatibility, and the overall role the Explorer fills in your collection or regular use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A period-style 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tire starts with the correct primary size for the truck's wheel setup, then narrows to the appearance that best suits a late-1990s SUV. Raised white letter radials often align well with the Explorer's truck-based character, while blackwall or whitewall choices can shift the presentation in a cleaner or more customized direction.
The best choice depends on whether the goal is a stock-appearing driver, a personalized street truck, or a restoration-oriented presentation. Sidewall style matters almost as much as size in the final look. When exact originality is important, compare the truck against period photos, original literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a particular tire series or stripe treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tire construction is straightforward on a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer because the primary fitments are radial tires. That means the appearance differences come less from bias-ply versus radial construction and more from the size selected, the tire series, and especially the sidewall treatment such as raised white letters, blackwall, whitewall, or redline.
For a restored or carefully presented Explorer, the tire's visual character can change the truck more than many buyers expect. A BFGoodrich All-Terrain style creates a different impression than a narrow whitewall or a plain blackwall radial, even when the wheel diameter is correct. Matching that look to the era and purpose of the truck helps the finished vehicle feel cohesive.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer even when the truck uses one of its primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, and body modifications can all change the space available around the tire and may also affect which wheel widths are appropriate.
An Explorer that no longer carries its original wheel setup should be measured rather than assumed. Check wheel diameter first, then wheel width, and finally look at steering and fender clearance through the full range of motion. That is especially important when moving between 15-inch and 16-inch wheel packages or choosing a more aggressive tire style.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the application. It is also worth checking for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any rubbing points that may have gone unnoticed with the old tires.
A short test drive should include listening for contact during turns and watching for vibration, pull, or uneven response. Older SUVs that see occasional use also deserve a close look at shocks, bushings, and steering components before regular road duty resumes. Good tires perform best when the rest of the Explorer's rolling and suspension system is equally sound.
How should 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1998 Ford Trucks Explorer should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and periodic attention to tread wear patterns. Even on a collector-owned or low-mileage truck, age matters alongside mileage, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss should never be ignored.
Storage conditions also affect tire life. Keeping the Explorer away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both the tire structure and sidewall appearance. A truck that sits for long periods benefits from more frequent inspections before road use, especially if it carries specialty whitewall, redline, or raised white letter tires.
