1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Tires

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 sits in the final years of GMT400 heavy-duty pickup production, a period when GMC blended work-truck durability with more refined Sierra trim choices. For many owners, that means balancing authentic late-1990s truck character with the practical needs of towing, hauling, and occasional off-pavement use. Tire fitment on the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 centers on two 16-inch radial sizes, with standard-suspension trucks using 225/75R16 and H.D. Suspension models using 245/75R16. Available choices stay focused, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires in raised white letter form. The key is matching the tire to the truck's exact suspension package, wheel width, and intended use.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model and suspension configuration rather than tire construction. Both fitments are radial tires for 16-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether the truck is a standard-suspension Sierra SL, SLE, or SLT, or one of the w/H.D. Suspension versions before choosing a tire.

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225/75R16Metric radial
Fit(s): Sierra SL, Sierra SLE, and Sierra SLT
Construction: RadialRim: 16 in

225/75R16 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500, this size is used on standard-suspension Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT models. The available choice in this size is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters, giving the truck a distinctly late-1990s light-truck look. It is the right place to start when the truck retains its original 16-inch wheel format without the H.D. Suspension package.

Explore 225/75R16 Tires
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245/75R16Metric radial
Fit(s): Sierra SL w/H.D. Suspension, Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension, and Sierra SLT w/H.D. Suspension
Construction: RadialRim: 16 in

245/75R16 is a metric radial size where 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This size belongs to Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT trucks equipped with H.D. Suspension, making it a configuration-specific fitment rather than a universal K2500 size. BFGoodrich offers this fitment in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white lettering, adding a more aggressive truck presentation. It is the size to evaluate when the truck's heavier-duty suspension setup and wheel package remain in place.

Explore 245/75R16 Tires

1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment on the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 is straightforward once the suspension package is confirmed. Standard Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT trucks use one tire size, while the w/H.D. Suspension versions move to a different 16-inch radial size.

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1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SL

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SL uses the standard-suspension tire fitment rather than the larger H.D. Suspension size. That keeps tire selection focused on matching the truck's 16-inch wheel setup and choosing the right tread and sidewall presentation within the correct size.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SL w/H.D. Suspension

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SL w/H.D. Suspension uses the larger of the two primary tire sizes for this model line. Tire selection should center on that heavier-duty fitment, along with confirming wheel width and overall clearance if the truck has been modified over time.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE follows the standard-suspension tire fitment shared with other non-H.D. trucks in the range. That makes the decision less about construction type and more about staying with the proper size for the truck's existing wheels and intended road or trail use.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLE w/H.D. Suspension uses the larger radial fitment assigned to the heavy-duty suspension package. Buyers should verify that the truck still carries its correct 16-inch wheel setup before comparing tires in that size.

Associated Tire Sizes
5

1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLT

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLT uses the same standard-suspension tire size as the other non-H.D. trims. Selecting tires for this sub-model is mainly a matter of keeping the correct size on the truck and choosing a tread style that matches how it is driven.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLT w/H.D. Suspension

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 Sierra SLT w/H.D. Suspension uses the larger 16-inch radial fitment associated with the heavy-duty setup. That makes it important to confirm the truck's exact suspension and wheel package before replacing tires, especially on trucks that may have seen wheel or suspension changes.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 GMC Trucks K2500 Tires for Sale

Available choices for the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 stay focused on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires in both primary sizes. The product grid is most useful for comparing the correct size for your suspension package, raised white letter appearance, load capacity, and rim-width compatibility.

Showing 2 of 2
Radial BFG KO2

BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 | LT225/75R16/E

BFGoodrich - All Terrain TA KO2

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH6.0 - 7.0 in
WEIGHT42 lb
MAX LOAD2,680 lbs @ 80 psi
Buy Now
Radial BFG KO2

BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 | LT245/75R16/E

BFGoodrich - All Terrain TA KO2

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH6.5 - 8.0 in
WEIGHT48 lb
MAX LOAD3,042 lbs @ 80 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 usually need clarity on which 16-inch tire size fits their exact sub-model, how H.D. Suspension changes fitment, and what to inspect before putting a heavy-duty pickup back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 uses either 225/75R16 or 245/75R16, and both are radial tire sizes for 16-inch wheels. Standard Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT models use 225/75R16, while Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT trucks equipped with H.D. Suspension use 245/75R16.

Choosing between those sizes starts with confirming the exact sub-model and whether the truck has the H.D. Suspension package. On an older K2500, it is also smart to verify the actual wheel and tire setup on the truck, since previous owners may have changed wheels, suspension parts, or ride height over the years.

What size rim does a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 use?

Both primary tire sizes for the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 are built for 16-inch rims. The 225/75R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, and the 245/75R16 H.D. Suspension fitment also uses a 16-inch rim, so wheel diameter stays consistent across the covered sub-models.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a heavy-duty truck. Wheel width still matters, especially if the truck has replacement wheels, and the tire should be matched to a wheel that falls within the tire's approved rim-width range rather than assuming any 16-inch wheel is automatically suitable.

Do all 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 sub-models use the same tire size?

No. The 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 uses two tire sizes across its sub-model range. Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT models use 225/75R16, while Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT versions with H.D. Suspension use 245/75R16.

That difference makes the suspension designation more important than the trim name alone. Before replacing tires, check the truck's badging, build information, current wheel setup, and the size already mounted on the vehicle so the new tires match the truck's actual configuration instead of relying on trim level alone.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

Start with the correct primary size for the truck's configuration: 225/75R16 for standard-suspension Sierra SL, SLE, and SLT models, or 245/75R16 for w/H.D. Suspension versions. From there, compare load capacity, rim-width compatibility, and the tread style that best matches how the truck is actually used.

A K2500 often serves very different roles, from preserved weekend truck to working hauler or hunting and trail rig. Choosing well means thinking about the truck's wheel setup, whether it still carries factory-type suspension height, and whether an all-terrain pattern and raised white letter sidewall suit the look and use you want.

What sidewall styles are available for 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 tires?

The available tires for the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 use an RWL sidewall, which means raised white letter styling. That sidewall treatment appears on both the 225/75R16 and 245/75R16 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options, giving the truck a traditional late-1990s light-truck appearance.

Sidewall style affects appearance more than fitment, but it still matters on a truck that carries a specific period look. If the goal is to keep a stock-leaning visual presentation, confirm that the white-letter look matches the truck's stance, wheel finish, and overall style before selecting a tire purely on size alone.

What brands offer tires for the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

BFGoodrich is the available brand across both primary tire sizes for the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500. The fitment offered here is the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series, available in both 225/75R16 for standard-suspension trucks and 245/75R16 for trucks equipped with H.D. Suspension.

Since the brand choice is narrow, the real comparison is less about switching among manufacturers and more about selecting the right size for the truck's configuration. It also helps to compare wheel-width requirements, load capacity, and whether the truck's current use calls for an all-terrain tire rather than a more road-focused pattern.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

A period-style 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 starts with the correct factory-era size format for the truck's configuration: 225/75R16 on standard-suspension SL, SLE, and SLT models, or 245/75R16 on w/H.D. Suspension versions. Both are modern radial light-truck sizes that suit the truck's late-1990s character.

Appearance then comes down to details such as tread personality and sidewall treatment. An all-terrain radial with raised white letters gives the K2500 a recognizable truck look from the era, but exact originality questions are best checked against GMC sales literature, window-sticker documentation, or marque-specific restoration references.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

Construction is straightforward on the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 because the primary fitments are radial tires in both sizes. That means the visual character is shaped less by bias-ply-versus-radial differences and more by tread design, sidewall lettering, and whether the tire has a more highway or all-terrain presentation.

For a restored late-1990s heavy-duty pickup, those appearance details can strongly influence how authentic the truck feels. Raised white letter sidewalls often reinforce the period truck look, while the correct size and proper stance keep the restoration from looking off even when the wheel diameter itself remains correct.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500?

Yes. Even though the 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 uses 16-inch radial tire fitments from the factory, aftermarket wheels, suspension lifts, leveling kits, lowering changes, and steering or brake modifications can all affect how a replacement tire fits the truck.

The best approach is to verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the truck, then check clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components before installing new tires. That matters especially on H.D. Suspension models, where the truck may already have a different stance or wheel package than a standard-suspension K2500.

What should I inspect before driving a 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the truck's configuration. Tire pressure, valve stems, tread condition, and any signs of sidewall damage should also be checked before the truck returns to regular service.

A heavy-duty pickup places real demands on its tires, especially if it is used for hauling, towing, or rough-surface driving. It is also wise to look over suspension wear items, steering components, and alignment condition so the new tires start service on a truck that tracks properly and does not scrub the tread prematurely.

How should tires on a collector 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 be maintained?

Tires on a collector-grade 1998 GMC Trucks K2500 should be inspected regularly for air loss, uneven wear, cracking, cuts, and bulges, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Keeping them properly inflated and storing the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition.

Low annual mileage can hide tire aging, so a truck that looks good at a glance still deserves close inspection before each drive. Rotating use, moving the vehicle periodically, and checking the spare and road tires together helps maintain a more dependable setup when the K2500 is taken out for shows, cruises, or light work.