The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator arrived as a full-size luxury SUV built for buyers who wanted truck-based capability with a more upscale presentation. Because it sits squarely in the late-1990s SUV era, tire selection on this model is tied closely to drivetrain configuration and wheel size rather than to vintage bias-ply concerns. The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator uses radial tires in either 245/75R16 or 255/75R17, depending on the specific setup. That makes the key decision less about classic construction changes and more about confirming the correct rim diameter, then choosing a tire that suits road use, load needs, and the look of the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator
Two tire sizes apply to the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, and the right choice depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Both sizes are radial metric fitments, but they use different rims, so confirming whether the vehicle has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels is the first step before comparing tire options or replacing what is already on the truck.
245/75R16 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, this size serves as one of the primary fitments and is shared across more than one drivetrain configuration. Available product choices in this size can include truck-oriented specifications such as raised white letter sidewalls, load-focused construction details, and rim-width compatibility ranges. It is the size to evaluate when the Navigator is riding on 16-inch wheels and retains this original fitment pattern.
255/75R17 is also a metric radial size, with a nominal section width of 255 millimeters, a 75-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, this size is tied to a specific 4x4 fitment, so it should not be assumed across every version of the model. Its role is to match a larger wheel setup rather than simply offer an interchangeable alternative to the 16-inch tire. This is the size to confirm when the truck has 17-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the proper primary fitment for that configuration.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator because tire size changes with drivetrain configuration and wheel diameter. Checking whether the truck is a 4x2 or 4x4 is the quickest way to narrow the correct primary size before comparing actual tire choices.
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1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator 4x2
The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator 4x2 uses the 245/75R16 radial tire size. That keeps selection straightforward, with the main focus shifting to matching the 16-inch wheel and choosing a tire specification that suits the vehicle's road use and load expectations.
The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator 4x4 can use either 245/75R16 or 255/75R17, so wheel diameter has to be confirmed before a replacement tire is chosen. Once the wheel size is verified, the decision becomes much clearer because both fitments are radial but they are not the same wheel-and-tire package.
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 Lincoln Trucks Navigator Tires for Sale
Current product choice for the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator centers on 245/75R16, with a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 option that uses radial construction, raised white letter sidewalls, and a truck-oriented rim-width range suited to utility-focused use.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, how 4x2 and 4x4 fitment differs, what to verify about wheel diameter, and how to compare available truck tire options before putting the vehicle back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator uses two primary radial tire sizes: 245/75R16 and 255/75R17. The 4x2 model uses 245/75R16, while the 4x4 model may use either 245/75R16 or 255/75R17 depending on the wheel setup installed on the vehicle.
That means the first job is to confirm the exact sub-model and the actual wheel diameter on the truck before selecting a replacement tire. A 16-inch tire and a 17-inch tire are not interchangeable simply because both were used on the Navigator, so the current wheel package should match the size being considered.
What size rim does a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator use?
A 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on the tire size and configuration. The 245/75R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, while the 255/75R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment check on this model because it separates the two primary tire sizes immediately. Looking at the current tire sidewall or measuring the wheel is a smart step before ordering replacements, especially on a 4x4 where both wheel-and-tire combinations can appear on the same year and model.
Do all 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator sub-models use the same tire size?
No, not all 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator sub-models use the same tire size. The 4x2 uses 245/75R16, while the 4x4 can use 245/75R16 or 255/75R17, so tire fitment is not completely uniform across the range.
That difference matters because the correct tire choice depends on more than the model name alone. Checking the drivetrain designation and the wheel already on the truck will usually answer the fitment question quickly, and it also helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the year and model but not the actual wheel diameter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/75R16 tire for a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
Start with the size itself, since 245/75R16 is a primary fitment for the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator and uses a 16-inch rim. From there, compare construction, load-related specifications, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility to make sure the tire suits how the truck is actually driven.
The available 245/75R16 option here is a radial BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls, a 6.5- to 8.0-inch rim-width range, and a maximum load rating of 3,042 pounds at 80 psi. Those details are useful for matching the tire to the wheel and for judging whether a more truck-oriented appearance and specification set fits the vehicle's intended use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator tires?
For the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator product selection shown here, the visible sidewall style is RWL, or raised white letter. That gives the tire a more traditional light-truck look than a plain blackwall and can change the overall appearance of the vehicle even when the size stays the same.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision unless a buyer is trying to match an existing set or maintain a certain look across all four corners. It still makes sense to treat style as a secondary choice after confirming the correct tire size, wheel diameter, and operating specifications that the Navigator needs.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
The current product selection for the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator includes BFGoodrich in 245/75R16. The available example is the All-Terrain T/A KO2, which places the focus on a truck-oriented radial tire rather than on multiple competing brands in the same fitment.
When brand choice is limited within a specific size, the smarter comparison shifts to the tire's actual specifications and intended character. Rim-width compatibility, load capacity, sidewall presentation, and how the truck is used day to day will usually matter more than trying to force a brand comparison where the fitment itself is the real priority.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
A period-style choice for a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator starts with keeping the correct primary tire size and wheel diameter for the truck's actual configuration. That means 245/75R16 on the 4x2, and either 245/75R16 or 255/75R17 on the 4x4 depending on the wheel package installed.
Once the fitment is confirmed, appearance details such as sidewall treatment become more important. An RWL tire can suit the late-1990s SUV look well, but exact originality claims should be checked against vehicle-specific reference material if a highly accurate restoration is the goal rather than simply capturing the right era and stance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator restoration because the model used more than one wheel-and-tire combination. Using the right size preserves the vehicle's intended proportions and avoids turning a restoration-oriented project into a mismatched wheel-diameter issue.
Fitment also affects how convincing the finished truck looks, especially on a vehicle from the early luxury SUV era where wheel size and sidewall height shape the stance noticeably. Even when the goal is not concours-level accuracy, confirming the proper radial size before selecting brand or sidewall style keeps the restoration on solid ground.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator even when the tire size itself matches a primary fitment. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how a 245/75R16 or 255/75R17 tire sits in the wheel opening.
A truck that has been lifted, lowered, or fitted with non-stock wheels should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering lock before replacement tires are chosen. That step matters most on the 4x4, where more than one original size was used and visual assumptions can lead to the wrong purchase.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then check valve stems, lug hardware, and tire pressure. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for worn components that could affect wear or stability once the new tires are installed.
A short road test should include checking for rubbing, pull, vibration, and any sign that the tire is not seated or balanced properly. Rechecking inflation after the first drives and confirming that all four tires match the intended size and construction helps the Navigator settle into regular use without avoidable fitment problems.
How should tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator be maintained?
Tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to uneven wear. Sidewall damage, cuts, punctures, tread irregularity, and slow air loss are all worth catching early, especially on a heavier SUV where tire condition affects both ride quality and load handling.
Storage and use patterns matter too, since low-mileage vehicles can age tires long before tread is worn out. Keeping the Navigator away from prolonged sun exposure when possible and checking the tires before longer drives helps reduce surprises, particularly if the truck spends much of its time parked rather than in steady daily service.
