The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon sits in the full-size SUV era when truck-based utility, towing confidence, and everyday family use came together in one platform. Buyers still value these Yukons for their square-shouldered late-1990s styling and straightforward mechanical character, but tire selection depends heavily on whether the truck is a 4x2 or 4x4 and whether it rides on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels. This Yukon uses radial tire fitments in 235/75R15, 245/75R16, or 265/75R16. Available choices range from traditional whitewall radials to raised white letter all-terrain designs, so the right pick depends on whether the goal is stock-style appearance, utility-focused use, or careful wheel-and-clearance matching.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon
Three tire sizes apply to the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, and the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The 4x2 models use a 15-inch radial fitment, while 4x4 models use 16-inch radial sizes. Because two rim diameters are involved, confirming the actual wheel on the truck matters before comparing sidewall style, all-terrain tread, or load-focused tire choices.
235/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, this size is used on 4x2 models and supports a more traditional street-oriented replacement path. Product choices include American Classic, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and raised white letter sidewall treatments. It is the size to focus on when the truck retains 15-inch wheels and appearance is as important as basic fitment.
245/75R16 is a metric radial size where 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 marks the wheel diameter. This size is one of the 16-inch fitments used on 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon 4x4 models, placing it in the heavier-duty, truck-oriented side of the Yukon lineup. Available products in this size center on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall. It deserves attention when a Yukon 4x4 already wears 16-inch wheels and the owner wants to stay with a proven all-terrain style fitment.
265/75R16 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, it is also tied to 4x4 applications and represents the larger of the two 16-inch fitment choices used on those sub-models. Product availability in this size is focused on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters, giving it a distinctly truck-oriented presentation. It is the size to evaluate carefully when the Yukon has 16-inch wheels and the owner wants to confirm wheel width, load capacity, and clearance before staying with a larger 4x4 tire setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon because tire size changes with drivetrain configuration. The 4x2 models stay with the 15-inch setup, while the 4x4 models move to 16-inch tires, so identifying the exact SLE or SLT version helps narrow the correct size before comparing tire styles.
1
1998 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE 4x2
The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE 4x2 uses the 235/75R15 radial size. That makes tire selection less about multiple fitments and more about choosing between whitewall and raised white letter styles, along with confirming that the truck still carries its 15-inch wheel setup.
The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon SLE 4x4 uses 16-inch radial tire sizes, with both 245/75R16 and 265/75R16 associated with this sub-model. Tire selection starts with confirming which wheel and tire package is actually on the truck, then checking width, load, and clearance before staying with the same size.
The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT 4x2 uses the 235/75R15 radial size. Buyers with this sub-model can focus on the character of the tire itself, including whitewall presentation or a more truck-style raised white letter look, while making sure the Yukon still wears 15-inch wheels.
The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon SLT 4x4 uses 16-inch radial fitments, with 245/75R16 and 265/75R16 both relevant to this configuration. The practical step is verifying the actual wheel and current tire setup first, since choosing between those sizes affects load specification, wheel-width match, and overall stance.
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 GMC Trucks Yukon Tires for Sale
Available 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon tire choices range from whitewall street radials in 235/75R15 to BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options in 235/75R15, 245/75R16, and 265/75R16. Buyers can compare brands, tire series, sidewall style, load capacity, and rim-width compatibility depending on the exact Yukon setup.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, how 4x2 and 4x4 fitments differ, and what to check when choosing between whitewall, raised white letter, and truck-oriented radial options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
The 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon uses three tire sizes depending on sub-model and wheel setup: 235/75R15, 245/75R16, and 265/75R16. The 4x2 versions use 235/75R15, while the 4x4 versions use 16-inch fitments associated with 245/75R16 and 265/75R16.
The practical decision starts with confirming whether the Yukon is a 4x2 or 4x4 and then checking the wheel diameter actually on the truck. Since both 15-inch and 16-inch wheels were used, the correct size is tied to the vehicle configuration and current wheel package, not just the model name on the tailgate.
What size rim does a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon use?
A 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 235/75R15 fitment uses a 15-inch wheel, while both 245/75R16 and 265/75R16 are built for 16-inch wheels.
That rim difference is important because a 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Before selecting a replacement tire, check the tire sidewall and wheel diameter on the Yukon itself, especially if the truck may have been changed from its original wheel package over the years.
Do all 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon does not use one tire size across every sub-model. SLE 4x2 and SLT 4x2 models use 235/75R15, while SLE 4x4 and SLT 4x4 models use 245/75R16 or 265/75R16.
That means the sub-model and drivetrain matter before comparing tires. A buyer looking at whitewall 235/75R15 options is usually dealing with a 4x2 Yukon, while the 4x4 trucks require attention to 16-inch fitment, heavier-duty tire specifications, and enough wheel and vehicle clearance for the chosen size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Start with the exact tire size and wheel diameter used on the Yukon, then compare the kind of tire that matches how the truck is driven and how it should look. A 235/75R15 4x2 Yukon opens the door to whitewall and raised white letter choices, while the 16-inch 4x4 sizes focus more on truck-oriented all-terrain fitments.
After size is settled, compare construction, load capacity, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and tire series. A restoration-minded street truck may lean toward a whitewall radial, while a utility-focused 4x4 may call for an all-terrain design. Matching the tire to the actual wheel and intended use keeps the choice grounded.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon include raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments. The broadest appearance range appears in 235/75R15, where the Yukon can take on anything from a traditional whitewall presentation to a more truck-oriented raised white letter look.
The sidewall style changes the personality of the vehicle more than the size code itself. A wide or narrow whitewall can suit a cleaner, more traditional late-1990s custom or restored appearance, while raised white letters fit the SUV and light-truck character of the Yukon. The right choice depends on the wheel size already on the truck.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Tires for the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand variety is strongest in 235/75R15, while the 245/75R16 and 265/75R16 fitments are centered on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 products.
That brand spread gives buyers different kinds of choices depending on the Yukon configuration. A 4x2 owner can compare appearance-oriented whitewall radials across several series, while a 4x4 owner is looking more at load-focused all-terrain options. Brand should be considered alongside the correct size, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width match.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
For a period-style 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, the right starting point is the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. On 4x2 trucks using 235/75R15, whitewall radials from series such as American Classic Radial, Star Series, Coker Classic Radial, and Silvertown Radial create a more traditional presentation than an all-terrain raised white letter tire.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the Yukon will actually be used. A street-driven truck with stock-style wheels may benefit from a classic whitewall look, while a 4x4 with 16-inch wheels may look more natural on an all-terrain radial. If originality matters closely, compare the tire choice with period photos or model-specific reference material.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
On the 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. The visual character comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire series, sidewall treatment, and overall truck stance created by the correct 15-inch or 16-inch fitment.
That makes sidewall choice especially important on a restored or carefully presented Yukon. A wide or narrow whitewall can shift the truck toward a cleaner custom or nostalgia-inspired look, while raised white letters reinforce its SUV and light-truck identity. Keeping the correct tire size for the sub-model helps the finished vehicle look settled and proportionate.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lifts or drops, and body or steering changes can all influence whether 235/75R15, 245/75R16, or 265/75R16 remains appropriate on the truck.
A Yukon that has been changed from its original wheel package should be measured rather than assumed. Confirm actual wheel diameter and width first, then check clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. That is especially important on 4x4 models, where the larger 16-inch fitments leave less room for guesswork.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure lug hardware and valve stems are in good shape, and confirm that the chosen tire size matches the sub-model and wheel setup. A quick visual check for suspension wear and obvious clearance issues is also worthwhile.
Once the tires are mounted, verify inflation pressure, look for any rubbing during turns, and recheck the fit after a short drive. Older SUVs can hide worn steering and suspension parts that affect how a new tire sits and behaves, so a careful first inspection helps catch problems before regular road use.
How often should tires on a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 GMC Trucks Yukon should be inspected regularly, especially if the vehicle is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check for uneven tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, and slow air loss, and give extra attention to the sidewalls on whitewall tires where age and storage conditions can show clearly.
A monthly pressure and condition check is a sensible habit, with another inspection before longer trips or heavier-use weekends. The Yukon is a full-size SUV, so tire condition matters not only for ride quality but also for load support and stability. Consistent inspections are the best way to catch age-related problems before they become roadside issues.
