The 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport arrived during the era when midsize sport utility vehicles were expected to handle daily driving, family use, and light trail duty in one package. Its truck-based character and upright SUV proportions make tire fitment more than a cosmetic decision, especially when wheel type changes the original sizing. On this Montero Sport, the key fitment split is between 265/70R15 and 225/75R15 radial tires, both built for 15-inch rims. That makes the real choice less about bias-ply versus radial and more about matching the correct sub-model and wheel setup, then selecting the right sidewall style and product character for the vehicle’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport
The 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel type. Both are radial tires for 15-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the vehicle has the aluminum-wheel or steel-wheel configuration before comparing available tire styles and product details.
Fit(s): ES w/aluminum wheels, ES w/aluminum wheels (Max. Load), LS w/aluminum wheels, LS w/aluminum wheels (Max. Load), XLS, and XLS (Max. Load)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
265/70R15 is a modern metric radial size in which 265 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport, this size is used on specific sub-models with 15-inch wheels and keeps the vehicle in radial construction throughout. It serves buyers who need the larger of the two original fitments rather than a decorative sidewall-focused replacement. The practical decision here is making sure the vehicle’s actual wheel setup matches this size before moving ahead with tire selection.
Fit(s): ES w/steel wheels, ES w/steel wheels (Max. Load), LS w/steel wheels, and LS w/steel wheels (Max. Load)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
225/75R15 is a metric radial size where 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 15 identifies the rim diameter. This size applies to steel-wheel versions of the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport and stays within the vehicle’s primary radial fitment. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with narrow and wide whitewall treatments across several tire series. That makes it especially important to confirm whether the goal is stock-type fitment with a specific wheel setup, or a more appearance-driven replacement within the correct size.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment on the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport depends largely on wheel type rather than a single size shared across the range. Checking the exact ES, LS, or XLS configuration matters because aluminum-wheel and steel-wheel versions do not use the same tire size.
1
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport ES w/aluminum wheels
The ES with aluminum wheels uses the larger radial fitment found on selected Montero Sport configurations. Tire selection here starts with retaining the correct wheel-based size and then confirming that the current wheel setup has not been changed from the original aluminum-wheel arrangement.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport ES w/aluminum wheels (Max. Load)
This ES aluminum-wheel Max. Load configuration follows the same larger radial tire fitment used on the standard aluminum-wheel version. The main buying focus is staying with the correct size for that wheel package and checking that replacement tires suit the vehicle’s load needs and actual wheels.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport ES w/steel wheels
The ES with steel wheels uses the narrower 225/75R15 radial tire rather than the larger aluminum-wheel size. That opens the door to several product and whitewall choices, but the first step is still confirming that the truck remains on its intended steel-wheel setup.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport ES w/steel wheels (Max. Load)
This ES steel-wheel Max. Load version uses the same 225/75R15 radial fitment as the standard steel-wheel model. Tire choice should center on the correct size first, then on details such as sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and the vehicle’s present wheel configuration.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport LS w/aluminum wheels
The LS with aluminum wheels uses the larger of the two primary Montero Sport tire sizes, keeping the vehicle on a 15-inch radial setup. Choosing a replacement means matching that aluminum-wheel fitment first rather than assuming the steel-wheel LS uses the same size.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport LS w/aluminum wheels (Max. Load)
This LS aluminum-wheel Max. Load configuration stays with the same larger radial size used on the comparable aluminum-wheel LS. Buyers should verify that the wheels on the vehicle today match that configuration before selecting a tire for road use or restoration-minded presentation.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport LS w/steel wheels
The LS with steel wheels uses 225/75R15 radial tires, separating it from the aluminum-wheel LS models. That means replacement choice is straightforward once wheel type is confirmed, with room to compare available sidewall treatments and product specifications in the correct size.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport LS w/steel wheels (Max. Load)
This LS steel-wheel Max. Load version uses the same 225/75R15 radial size as the standard steel-wheel LS. The practical task is verifying wheel type and then choosing among the available radial options that match the intended look and service needs of the SUV.
The XLS uses the larger radial tire size used by the aluminum-wheel Montero Sport configurations. Replacement selection should begin with that original wheel-and-size relationship, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or may have been fitted with different wheels over time.
1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport XLS (Max. Load)
The XLS Max. Load configuration keeps the same larger radial fitment as the standard XLS. Owners should confirm the current wheels and compare tire specifications carefully so the selected replacement suits both the original size category and the vehicle’s present-day 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 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on 225/75R15 and include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar offerings. Buyers can compare narrow and wide whitewall styles, several radial tire series, and rim-width and load-capacity details within the same core size.
Showing 6 of 7
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.75 Inch Whitewall | 225/75R15
Common questions for the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport usually come down to identifying the correct wheel-based tire size, understanding 15-inch rim fitment, and comparing available radial tire choices for appearance, use, and maintenance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport?
The 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport uses two primary tire sizes: 265/70R15 and 225/75R15. Both are radial tires for 15-inch rims, but they do not apply across every configuration. Aluminum-wheel ES and LS models, along with XLS models, use 265/70R15, while steel-wheel ES and LS models use 225/75R15.
The important step is matching the tire size to the vehicle’s actual wheel setup, not just the model name on the tailgate. A Montero Sport that has had wheels changed over the years may no longer match its original configuration, so checking the current wheel type, size marking, and clearance is the safest way to avoid ordering the wrong tire.
What size rim does a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Whether the vehicle uses 265/70R15 or 225/75R15, the final number in the size confirms that the tire mounts on a 15-inch wheel rather than a different diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only measurement checked before replacement. Wheel width still matters, and it becomes especially important if the Montero Sport has aftermarket wheels, replacement steel wheels, or a wheel swap from another truck or SUV using the same bolt pattern.
Do all 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport has a split fitment pattern based on sub-model and wheel type. ES and LS models with steel wheels use 225/75R15, while ES and LS models with aluminum wheels use 265/70R15. XLS models also use 265/70R15.
That means sub-model identification matters before comparing products. Wheel material is the quickest clue, but it is still smart to inspect the tires currently on the vehicle and verify the wheel diameter and width. This is especially helpful on older SUVs that may have received take-off wheels, off-road wheels, or appearance-oriented replacements over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact Montero Sport configuration: 265/70R15 for the aluminum-wheel and XLS fitments, or 225/75R15 for steel-wheel ES and LS models. From there, compare construction, rim compatibility, load figures, and whether the vehicle is being kept close to its original SUV appearance or tailored toward a more custom presentation.
The 225/75R15 fitment offers the widest visible variety, with choices that differ by brand, tire series, whitewall style, and rim-width specification. That makes it useful to think about how the SUV will be used before selecting a tire. A road-driven Montero Sport and a vehicle aimed at visual presentation may call for different priorities even within the same size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport tires?
Sidewall variety is available in 225/75R15 for the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options. Those choices appear across several radial tires, giving buyers more than one way to approach the look of a steel-wheel Montero Sport while staying within the proper size category.
Sidewall style mainly affects presentation, but it should still be chosen after the correct size and wheel setup are confirmed. A narrow whitewall gives a subtler appearance, while a wide whitewall creates a more pronounced visual statement. Neither changes the need to verify rim width, load suitability, and the actual tire size required by the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport?
For the 225/75R15 fitment used on steel-wheel versions of the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport, available brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar. These options are all radial tires, and some are grouped into recognizable series such as Silvertown Radial, Star Series, American Classic Radial, and UN106.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It is more useful to compare how each tire is configured within the correct size, including sidewall treatment, rim-width range, load figure, and the overall look desired for the SUV. Once those basics line up with the vehicle, brand preference can become part of the final decision.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport?
A period-style choice for a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport starts with using the proper original size category for the vehicle’s wheel setup. For steel-wheel ES and LS models, 225/75R15 keeps the fitment aligned with the truck’s intended 15-inch radial layout, and that size offers several whitewall-based appearance options.
The best visual match depends on the direction of the vehicle rather than a single universal answer. Some owners want a cleaner stock-type SUV look, while others want a more noticeable whitewall presentation. When exact originality matters, the tire should be compared with period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before making a final appearance choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport did not use one size across every sub-model. Choosing between 265/70R15 and 225/75R15 changes the stance and visual balance of the SUV, and using the wrong size can make an otherwise careful restoration look out of step with the intended wheel configuration.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. Tire size should match the wheel diameter and the sub-model’s wheel type before attention turns to sidewall styling or brand. On a restoration-minded vehicle, checking the current wheels against the intended build helps prevent a mismatch created by years of wheel swaps, replacement parts, or previous-owner modifications.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport?
Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits on a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport even when the tire size matches an original application. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lifts, lowering, replacement springs, or body changes can all affect clearance, steering travel, and how the tire sits within the wheel opening.
That is why the current vehicle should be checked rather than relying only on the original sub-model description. Measuring wheel diameter and width, confirming the size already on the vehicle, and looking for rubbing marks at full steering lock can reveal issues before a new tire is mounted. This matters with both 265/70R15 and 225/75R15 setups.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the Montero Sport’s actual configuration, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the application. It is also worth checking for uneven suspension wear, alignment issues, and any signs that the previous tires rubbed or wore irregularly.
A short test drive should include listening for contact noises and watching for pull, vibration, or steering issues. Older SUVs can hide worn shocks, tired bushings, or alignment problems that become more noticeable with fresh tires. Rechecking air pressure after initial use and inspecting the sidewalls for any clearance concerns helps confirm the setup is working as intended.
How often should tires on a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero Sport should be inspected regularly, especially if the SUV is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss are all worth checking before routine driving, not just before long trips or seasonal use.
Collector and lightly used vehicles often age their tires through time and storage rather than mileage. A Montero Sport that looks fine at a glance may still have weathering or flat-spotting from sitting. Looking over the tires every few weeks, and again before a highway drive, helps catch condition problems before they become road-use problems.
