The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 sits in the last years of Ford’s long-running heavy-duty pickup tradition before the Super Duty line fully took over, making it a practical truck with strong appeal for owners who still use them for towing, work, and weekend road miles. Tire selection on this model centers on two 16-inch radial sizes, 245/75R16 and 255/70R16, with fitment changing by drivetrain and sub-model. Available choices stay within a modern truck-oriented radial format, including raised white letter styling in the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 line. The key is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing between the two sizes.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends mainly on the exact sub-model and drivetrain. Both fitments are radial tires for 16-inch wheels, so the first step is identifying whether the truck is a 4x2 or 4x4 and then confirming the wheel diameter already on the vehicle before comparing tire choices.
245/75R16 is a metric radial size in which 245 represents the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250, this is the broadest fitment across the range and is used on both 4x4 models and certain 4x2 configurations. In this size, the available truck tire choice carries BFGoodrich branding, the All Terrain TA KO2 series, and a raised white letter sidewall. It is the size to evaluate first when the truck still retains its 16-inch wheel setup and stock-type fitment approach.
255/70R16 is also a metric radial size, with 255 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 70 showing the aspect ratio, and 16 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250, this size appears on certain 4x2 sub-models rather than across the full lineup, so it should not be assumed for every truck. Product choice in this fitment includes the BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall, giving it a distinctly truck-oriented appearance. This size makes the most sense once the exact sub-model and existing wheel combination have been confirmed.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 because not every version uses the same primary tire size. The main dividing line is drivetrain, with 4x4 models using one fitment while several 4x2 versions can use either of the two 16-inch radial sizes.
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1998 Ford Trucks F-250 4x2
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 4x2 uses either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16, both in radial construction. Tire selection starts with confirming which 16-inch wheel and size the truck is actually running before comparing available tread and sidewall options.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 4x4 uses 245/75R16 radial tires. That keeps fitment straightforward, so the decision shifts toward choosing the right product within that size and checking wheel condition, suspension clearance, and overall truck setup.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 Lariat 4x2 can use either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16 in radial construction. Selecting between them requires a look at the truck’s present wheel and tire package rather than relying on trim name alone.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 Lariat 4x4 uses 245/75R16 radial tires. That gives this sub-model a single primary size, so the buyer can focus on product character, sidewall presentation, and the condition of the existing 16-inch wheels.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 XL 4x2 uses either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16 radial tires. Checking the tire placard, current wheel size, and the truck’s actual configuration helps narrow the choice before moving on to tread style and other product details.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 XL 4x4 uses 245/75R16 in radial construction. With one primary fitment, the more important questions become rim compatibility, load capacity, and whether the truck still has its original-style wheel and suspension setup.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 XLT 4x2 can use either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16 radial tires. Because both sizes share the same 16-inch rim diameter, the buyer should verify the exact wheel and current fitment rather than choosing by appearance alone.
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 XLT 4x4 uses 245/75R16 radial tires. That simplifies the fitment question and lets the buyer concentrate on selecting the right tire within that size for road use, load needs, and the truck’s present wheel condition.
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 F-250 Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 focus on 245/75R16 and 255/70R16 radial fitments from BFGoodrich in the All Terrain TA KO2 series. Raised white letter sidewalls, 16-inch rim compatibility, and matching 6.5- to 8.0-inch rim-width guidance make the product grid easy to compare.
Common questions for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 usually center on which of the two 16-inch tire sizes applies, how sub-model fitment changes between 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, and what to inspect before putting a working or collector-use pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 uses two primary tire sizes: 245/75R16 and 255/70R16. Both are radial tires for 16-inch wheels, but they do not apply across the range in the same way. The 245/75R16 size appears on all 4x4 sub-models and also on certain 4x2 trucks, while 255/70R16 is used on several 4x2 versions.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model and drivetrain before choosing a tire. A 4x4 truck points you toward 245/75R16, while a 4x2 may require a closer look at the present wheel and tire package. If the truck has been changed over to aftermarket wheels or suspension parts, verify clearance and wheel specs before replacing tires.
What size rim does a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 245/75R16 and 255/70R16 fitments, so the factory-style tire choices on this page stay centered on 16-inch wheels. Available products in both sizes also share the same basic rim-width range of 6.5 to 8.0 inches.
Rim diameter should still be confirmed at the truck before ordering replacement tires, especially on older pickups that may have seen wheel swaps over the years. A tire marked for a 16-inch wheel cannot be safely mounted on a different rim diameter. It also helps to confirm actual wheel width so the tire chosen matches the wheel already on the truck.
Why does the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 have more than one tire size?
The 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the sub-model range. The biggest difference is drivetrain: 4x4 models use 245/75R16, while several 4x2 versions can use either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16. Both are 16-inch radial sizes, but they are tied to different configurations within the F-250 lineup.
That means the right choice starts with the exact truck, not just the year and model name. Looking at the current tire sidewall, the wheel itself, and the sub-model badge can help narrow the fitment quickly. On a truck with altered ride height, replacement wheels, or mixed-used parts, measuring and verifying the existing setup becomes especially important.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/75R16 tire for a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
Start with the basics: 245/75R16 is a primary size for all 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 4x4 models and for certain 4x2 versions, so it must match the truck’s actual fitment. In this size, the available option is a radial BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall, a 16-inch rim diameter, and a 6.5- to 8.0-inch rim-width range.
From there, think about how the truck is used. A pickup that still handles towing, farm duty, or unpaved roads may benefit from a truck-oriented tread style, while a lower-use truck still needs proper load capacity and wheel compatibility. Condition of the wheels, even wear, and enough clearance through steering travel all deserve a quick check before installation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 tires?
The available tire choices for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 use an RWL sidewall, which means raised white letters. That styling appears on the BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 offerings in both 245/75R16 and 255/70R16. It gives the truck a more traditional late-1990s light-truck look than a plain black sidewall would.
Sidewall style is mainly an appearance decision once the correct size has been confirmed. Raised white letters can suit a truck that still carries a period-style presentation, but they do not override the need to match the proper size and wheel. If a uniform look matters, check all four tires and the spare so the truck does not end up with mixed sidewall treatments.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
BFGoodrich is the brand available in the primary tire sizes for the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250. Both 245/75R16 and 255/70R16 are represented by the All Terrain TA KO2 series, so brand choice is straightforward on this page. The buying decision is less about comparing manufacturers and more about confirming the correct fitment for the exact truck.
Since the same brand and series appear across both sizes, attention shifts to size, wheel compatibility, and how the truck is actually used. A 4x4 truck points toward 245/75R16, while certain 4x2 trucks may use either fitment. Matching the tire to the current wheel width and checking load needs makes a bigger difference than brand comparison in this case.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
A period-style approach for a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model. That means 245/75R16 for all 4x4 versions and either 245/75R16 or 255/70R16 for several 4x2 trucks. Both available fitments stay within a radial 16-inch truck format that suits the era and the F-250’s original design direction.
Appearance should come after fitment, not before it. The raised white letter presentation available in these sizes can look appropriate on a late-1990s pickup, especially one kept close to stock in stance and wheel style. If exact restoration detail matters, compare the truck’s current setup with period photos, window sticker documentation, or marque-specific references before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
On the 1998 Ford Trucks F-250, primary fitment already centers on radial construction, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about maintaining the correct overall truck-era look. A radial tire in the proper 16-inch size keeps the profile and stance in line with the truck’s late-1990s design, especially when paired with an appropriate wheel.
Visual character then comes from details such as sidewall treatment and tread personality. Raised white letters can reinforce a period-style light-truck presentation, while incorrect sizing can make the truck look off even if the tire itself is high quality. Restored trucks benefit from checking ride height, wheel finish, and size consistency so the complete stance looks intentional.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 even when the truck originally used 245/75R16 or 255/70R16 tires. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension lifts, lowering changes, and steering or brake conversions can all alter what works cleanly on the truck. That matters on both 4x2 and 4x4 versions.
A truck that has been changed from stock should be checked carefully before replacement tires are selected. Wheel diameter and width come first, followed by clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. It also helps to inspect whether the current tires show rubbing marks or uneven wear, since those signs can reveal a fitment issue before new tires go on.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the truck’s actual sub-model and wheel setup. Tire pressure should be set properly, and the tires should be checked for even seating on the rim after installation.
A short follow-up inspection is a good idea after the first miles on the road. Look for any signs of rubbing, air loss, vibration, or uneven contact that could point to an alignment or wheel issue. Older trucks also deserve a quick check of suspension and steering parts, since worn components can affect how a new set of tires behaves.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250?
Before a longer drive in a 1998 Ford Trucks F-250, confirm that all tires match the correct size for the truck, hold pressure evenly, and show no visible cracking, bulges, cuts, or irregular wear. It is also wise to look over the spare, since older pickups often carry a spare that has seen little use but significant age.
Road-trip preparation should include a closer look at wheel condition, alignment behavior, and steering response once the truck is moving. Any pull, shake, or heat buildup deserves attention before adding more miles. On a truck used for hauling or towing, make sure the tire selected has the load capacity suited to the job and that inflation is monitored regularly.
