The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee sits in the era when SUVs were expected to do more than one job, blending daily-driver comfort with real Jeep utility and, in some trims, a distinctly upscale presentation. That makes tire selection more configuration-specific than it first appears. This model uses four primary radial tire sizes, split between 15-inch and 16-inch wheel fitments depending on sub-model. Available choices range from all-terrain tires with raised white lettering to classic-style narrow and wide whitewall radials in several series. The right pick comes down to confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter first, then matching the tire's look and road-use purpose to the vehicle you actually have.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee uses four primary tire sizes, and they do not all apply across every version of the vehicle. Fitment changes by sub-model and wheel diameter, with both 15-inch and 16-inch rim setups in use. The first step is confirming whether the Grand Cherokee is a 5.9 Limited, Limited, Laredo, or TSi, then matching the tire size to the correct wheel before comparing tread style, sidewall treatment, or tire series.
225/70R16 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee, this size belongs to 16-inch wheel applications rather than the 15-inch setups used elsewhere in the range. Available product choice in this size centers on BFGoodrich's All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling. It is the size to evaluate when preserving the correct wheel diameter and a more truck-oriented tire character on the applicable trim.
215/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. Within the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee range, it is one of the 15-inch sizes used on certain Laredo and TSi configurations. This size has the broadest appearance variety, including BFGoodrich all-terrain styling, narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, and several vintage-inspired radial series from Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. It makes sense for owners who have confirmed a 15-inch wheel and want room to choose between utility-focused and restoration-leaning sidewall presentations.
225/75R15 follows the same metric radial format, using a 225-millimeter nominal width, 75-series aspect ratio, and 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee, this is another 15-inch fitment associated with selected Laredo and TSi versions rather than the 16-inch Limited and 5.9 Limited setup. Product choices lean toward classic-style radial offerings, with narrow and wide whitewall treatments available through BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar. This size is worth considering when the vehicle is already on the correct 15-inch wheel and appearance is just as important as maintaining the proper fitment.
245/70R15 is a metric radial size where 245 denotes the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee, it appears only within certain 15-inch Laredo and TSi applications, so it should not be treated as universal across the model line. Its dimensions place it in the broader 15-inch fitment family used on those trims. This is the size to verify carefully on the vehicle itself, especially if wheels or suspension have been changed over the years, because the Grand Cherokee range also includes other 15-inch sizes.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee because tire size changes with trim and wheel package. Some versions use a single 16-inch size, while others can use several 15-inch sizes, so confirming the exact sub-model is the key first step before choosing a tire.
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1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited uses the 225/70R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. Tire selection here is more about choosing the right tread style and sidewall presentation within that fitment than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee Laredo can use more than one 15-inch radial size, including 215/75R15, 225/75R15, and 245/70R15. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before selecting between all-terrain, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall tire options.
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee Limited uses the 225/70R16 radial size. Once the 16-inch wheel setup is confirmed, the decision shifts toward the tire's intended look and use, especially for owners balancing SUV road manners with a more rugged visual style.
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee TSi shares the multi-size 15-inch fitment pattern, using 215/75R15, 225/75R15, or 245/70R15 depending on configuration. Choosing the right tire starts with matching the exact wheel and current setup, then narrowing the selection by sidewall style and intended use.
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 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee tires span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar offerings. Depending on size, buyers can compare all-terrain radial construction, raised white letter styling, and both narrow and wide whitewall series across 15-inch and 16-inch applications.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee, how they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter, and how to sort through available radial, sidewall, and maintenance choices with confidence.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
The 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee uses four primary radial tire sizes: 225/70R16, 215/75R15, 225/75R15, and 245/70R15. The correct size depends on the specific sub-model and wheel setup. Limited and 5.9 Limited applications use 225/70R16, while Laredo and TSi models use 15-inch fitments that can take more than one size.
That means the first task is confirming the actual trim and wheel diameter on the vehicle, not choosing by appearance alone. A Grand Cherokee with 15-inch wheels should stay within the sizes tied to that setup, while a 16-inch Limited or 5.9 Limited should use the matching 16-inch fitment. If the vehicle has aftermarket wheels or changed suspension, verify the wheel and clearance before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee use?
A 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 225/70R16 fitment uses a 16-inch wheel, while the 215/75R15, 225/75R15, and 245/70R15 fitments use 15-inch wheels. Rim diameter is one of the main reasons this model has more than one correct tire size.
Checking rim diameter matters before anything else because a 15-inch tire and a 16-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also worth confirming the wheel itself rather than relying only on trim badges, especially on older SUVs that may have had wheel swaps over time. After diameter is confirmed, compare the tire's approved rim-width range with the wheel already on the Grand Cherokee.
Do all 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee does not use one tire size across every sub-model. The 5.9 Limited and Limited use 225/70R16, while the Laredo and TSi use 15-inch radial fitments that include 215/75R15, 225/75R15, and 245/70R15. Trim level and wheel package both affect what belongs on the vehicle.
That variation makes the sub-model an important fitment checkpoint rather than a minor detail. A buyer looking at whitewall 15-inch radials for a Laredo should not assume those same tires belong on a 5.9 Limited. Matching the exact sub-model first helps narrow the search quickly and avoids comparing tires that are built for the wrong wheel diameter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
Start with the correct tire size for the sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee uses both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments. After size is confirmed, compare the tire's construction details, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and load capacity. That helps separate a utility-focused tire choice from one aimed more at traditional appearance.
The available product mix makes those priorities matter. Some sizes lean toward all-terrain styling, while others offer narrow or wide whitewall presentations in classic-style radial series. A Grand Cherokee used for regular road driving may call for a different visual and tread choice than one being preserved for a clean period-inspired look, even when both use the same nominal size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee include raised white letter, black sidewall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, depending on tire size. The 16-inch 225/70R16 option is available with raised white letter styling, while the 15-inch 215/75R15 and 225/75R15 selections include several whitewall variations across different radial series.
That gives the vehicle very different visual directions depending on the trim and the look you want. Raised white letters suit a more truck-oriented presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more traditional or custom appearance. The key is to treat sidewall style as a secondary choice after the correct tire size and wheel diameter have already been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
Tires for the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability depends on size, with the 16-inch 225/70R16 fitment centered on BFGoodrich and the 15-inch 215/75R15 and 225/75R15 sizes offering a wider mix of classic-style radial brands and series.
Brand choice matters most after the fitment basics are settled. Once the correct size is identified, comparing series, sidewall appearance, load figures, and approved rim-width ranges will usually tell you more than the name on the sidewall alone. That is especially true on a Grand Cherokee that may be used either as a practical road SUV or as a more appearance-driven collector vehicle.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
A period-style tire choice for a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the 15-inch sizes offer the most appearance-oriented options, including narrow and wide whitewall radial tires in several classic-style series. The 16-inch 225/70R16 fitment is more focused on an all-terrain presentation.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a traditional late-1990s SUV look, a cleaner custom-style appearance, or a more utility-oriented stance. Sidewall treatment changes the character of the vehicle quickly, so it helps to decide whether originality-inspired appearance or personalized style matters more. If exact restoration authenticity is important, compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references before finalizing it.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
On the 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction choice is less about switching between eras and more about selecting the right radial style. A modern all-terrain radial with raised white letters creates a more rugged appearance, while narrow or wide whitewall radials produce a softer, more traditional visual effect on the vehicle.
That makes sidewall design and tire series especially important for a restoration-minded owner. Two tires in the same size can give the Grand Cherokee a very different stance and overall presence without changing the basic fitment. Wheel diameter still has to remain correct, and the chosen tire should suit the intended use of the SUV rather than serving appearance alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can change clearance at the fender, steering components, and inner wheelhouse. That matters more on this vehicle because it already uses multiple tire sizes across different trims.
A Grand Cherokee that has been lifted, lowered, or re-wheeled should be checked as an individual setup rather than treated like a stock example. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width first, then inspect clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement. That extra verification is especially important when choosing among the 15-inch fitments, since more than one size may appear close at a glance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to check for suspension wear, steering looseness, and any existing rubbing marks that might point to a clearance problem with the current setup.
A short local drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on an older SUV. Recheck inflation, look for uneven contact or fresh rub points, and make sure the vehicle tracks cleanly without vibration. If the Grand Cherokee has not been driven much recently, inspect the rest of the chassis at the same time so the new tires are not being asked to mask unrelated mechanical issues.
How often should tires on a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Jeep Trucks Grand Cherokee should be inspected regularly, especially if the vehicle is used infrequently or stored for long periods. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and signs of air loss. Pressure checks matter just as much as visual inspection, since an SUV that sits can lose air slowly without making the problem obvious at first glance.
Collector and occasional-use vehicles benefit from a routine inspection schedule before any meaningful drive, not just at service intervals. It also helps to examine the sidewalls and tread after storage, then verify that nothing is rubbing once the vehicle is back in motion. Keeping the Grand Cherokee clean, properly inflated, and away from prolonged heat and sunlight will support tire condition over time.
