The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover sits at an interesting point in Range Rover history, blending traditional luxury 4x4 character with the more upscale trim distinctions that defined late-1990s sport-utility design. Buyers looking at one today are often balancing originality, everyday road manners, and the reality that trim level affects the wheel and tire package. This exact model uses radial tires, with either 255/65R16 or 255/55R18 depending on sub-model. That makes the key decision less about vintage construction and more about confirming the correct trim and wheel diameter first. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to matching the tire to the vehicle's existing setup and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover
Two tire sizes apply to the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover, and the correct choice depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial metric sizes, but one is built for a 16-inch rim and the other for an 18-inch rim. The first step is confirming whether the vehicle is an SE or 50th Anniversary Edition with 16-inch wheels, or an HSE with 18-inch wheels, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
255/65R16 is a metric radial size in which 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover, this size belongs on the 16-inch wheel setup used by certain sub-models. Its dimensions place it in the correct overall size range for that application rather than serving as a generic Range Rover substitute. Buyers should confirm that the vehicle still has the proper 16-inch wheels before selecting this size, particularly on trucks that may have been upgraded or modified over time.
255/55R18 is also a metric radial size, with the same 255-millimeter nominal width but a lower 55-series profile and an 18-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover, this size is tied to the 18-inch wheel package used on a specific sub-model rather than across the full model line. Its overall diameter closely tracks the 16-inch setup, but the wheel requirement is different and must be matched correctly. This is the size to evaluate when the truck retains its 18-inch wheels and the buyer wants to stay with the proper fitment for that configuration.
1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model identification matters on the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover because tire fitment is not the same across the lineup. Two sub-models use the 16-inch radial setup, while the HSE uses a different radial size on an 18-inch wheel.
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1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover 50th Anniversary Edition
The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover 50th Anniversary Edition uses the 255/65R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. Tire selection starts with keeping that wheel diameter matched correctly and then choosing a replacement that suits the vehicle's current road use and overall setup.
The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover HSE uses the 255/55R18 radial size, making it the trim that differs from the 16-inch applications. That means HSE owners should confirm the truck still has its 18-inch wheel package before treating other Range Rover sizes as interchangeable.
The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover SE uses the 255/65R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel, matching the 50th Anniversary Edition rather than the HSE. For tire replacement, the main priority is staying with the proper 16-inch fitment unless the vehicle has had a wheel conversion.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the two radial tire sizes used on the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover, how sub-models affect wheel fitment, and what to check before replacing tires on a truck that may have seen wheel or suspension changes over time.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
A 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover uses either 255/65R16 or 255/55R18, depending on the sub-model. The 50th Anniversary Edition and SE use 255/65R16, while the HSE uses 255/55R18. Both are radial metric tire sizes rather than older bias-ply or numeric formats.
The practical difference is wheel diameter. A truck set up for 16-inch wheels needs the 255/65R16 size, and an HSE with 18-inch wheels needs 255/55R18. Because many Range Rovers have seen wheel changes over the years, checking the actual wheel size on the vehicle is just as important as knowing the trim badge.
What size rim does a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover use?
The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover uses either a 16-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 255/65R16 tire fits a 16-inch rim, and the 255/55R18 tire fits an 18-inch rim. Those tire sizes are built around those specific rim diameters.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before any tire purchase because a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. On a vehicle of this age, that check matters even more if aftermarket wheels were installed or if a previous owner swapped wheels between SE, HSE, or anniversary-package trucks.
Do all 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover lineup uses two different tire sizes. The SE and 50th Anniversary Edition use 255/65R16, while the HSE uses 255/55R18. All three sub-models use radial tires, but they do not all share the same wheel and tire package.
That means trim-level identification matters before narrowing down replacement choices. It is also smart to compare the badge, the installed wheel diameter, and the size stamped on the current tires. Any mismatch between those details is a sign to inspect the truck more closely before assuming the original sub-model fitment is still in place.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. A 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover takes either 255/65R16 or 255/55R18, and both are radial metric sizes. Using the right size is more important than comparing tread designs or other tire characteristics too early in the process.
After the size is confirmed, look at how the truck is actually used. A mostly road-driven Range Rover may call for a different tire choice than one that still sees rough surfaces or occasional trail use. It also helps to inspect for previous wheel upgrades, suspension changes, or uneven tire wear that could affect how a replacement tire sits and performs.
How do I choose between the available 255/65R16 and 255/55R18 tires for a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
The choice between 255/65R16 and 255/55R18 is not a matter of preference on a stock 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover. It is determined by the sub-model and its wheel diameter. The SE and 50th Anniversary Edition use 255/65R16, while the HSE uses 255/55R18.
Selection becomes a comparison question only after the correct size is established. At that point, the buyer can focus on the tire's intended use, overall road character, and compatibility with the vehicle's existing wheels. If the truck no longer has its original wheels, treat the wheel diameter and actual installed setup as the deciding factors.
Why is wheel diameter so important when choosing tires for a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
Wheel diameter is critical because the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover was built with two different wheel-and-tire packages. One uses a 16-inch rim with 255/65R16 tires, and the other uses an 18-inch rim with 255/55R18 tires. Even though the overall tire diameters are very close, the tires mount on different rims.
That makes diameter the first physical fitment checkpoint. A buyer who only looks at the truck's general model name can easily select the wrong size. Reading the tire sidewall, measuring the wheel, and confirming the sub-model together is the safest way to avoid ordering a tire meant for the other Range Rover wheel package.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
A period-style approach starts by keeping the correct original fitment pattern for the truck's sub-model and wheel diameter. On a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover, that means 255/65R16 for the SE and 50th Anniversary Edition, or 255/55R18 for the HSE. Both are radial sizes, so the visual question is tied more to wheel-and-tire proportion than to bias-ply versus radial construction.
Appearance-minded owners should avoid mixing trim-level tire sizes without understanding how the vehicle has been set up. If exact restoration accuracy matters, compare the current wheel package against marque references or build-specific documentation. That helps keep the truck's stance and presentation aligned with the sub-model being restored rather than a later modification.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover used different wheel diameters across its sub-models. Keeping the correct 255/65R16 or 255/55R18 size helps preserve the intended relationship between the tire, wheel, and body. That matters visually as well as mechanically.
A restoration-minded owner should confirm the truck's trim level and inspect whether the wheels are still appropriate for that version before replacing tires. The wrong diameter can change the overall look immediately, even when the vehicle still appears close to stock at a glance. Proper fitment also gives a more credible foundation for any further cosmetic or mechanical restoration work.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover even when the tire size appears close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension lifts, lowering changes, or body modifications can all affect how a 255/65R16 or 255/55R18 tire sits within the wheelwell and how much clearance it has during steering and suspension movement.
A truck that has been modified should be checked as an individual vehicle rather than treated as a standard trim-level example. Wheel diameter is only the first step. It also helps to inspect wheel width, steering clearance, fender room, and any signs of rubbing on the current tires before choosing a replacement for regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the installed wheel diameter, and make sure the tire size matches the truck's actual setup. It is also wise to check suspension condition, steering components, alignment-related wear, and valve stems so the new tires are not compromised by existing issues.
A short visual check after installation can prevent larger problems later. Look for adequate clearance at full steering lock, confirm even seating on the rim, and watch for any rubbing marks after the first few miles. Tire pressure should also be set correctly and rechecked once the tires have been driven and the vehicle has settled onto them.
How often should tires on a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Land Rover Trucks Range Rover should be inspected regularly, especially if the truck is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A close look every month and before any longer drive is a sensible routine. Pay attention to tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, and signs of slow air loss.
Older luxury 4x4s are often used less predictably than daily drivers, so tire condition can change without accumulating many miles. Pressure checks matter just as much as visual inspection, and stored vehicles should be watched for flat spotting or age-related deterioration. Catching those issues early helps protect ride quality, handling, and overall road confidence.
