The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sits in the era when Toyota’s midsize SUV had fully established itself as a durable, family-capable platform with real truck roots. Buyers often value these third-generation 4Runners for their blend of everyday usefulness, off-road credibility, and long-term ownership appeal. Tire selection starts with two radial fitments, 225/75R15 and 265/70R16, so the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is on the vehicle. From there, the choice shifts toward the type of tire presentation you want, from whitewall-style 15-inch options to a more rugged raised white letter 16-inch all-terrain. That makes wheel setup, intended use, and overall appearance the key factors before ordering.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference begins with wheel diameter: 225/75R15 fits a 15-inch rim, while 265/70R16 fits a 16-inch rim. Every covered sub-model can use either size, so the most important step is confirming the actual wheel and tire setup currently on the vehicle before comparing tread style, sidewall treatment, and overall tire character.
225/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, this size keeps the fitment in a modern radial format suited to vehicles running 15-inch wheels. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is worth considering when the 4Runner already has 15-inch wheels and the goal is to match that setup while choosing among different visual styles.
265/70R16 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, it represents the larger of the two primary wheel-and-tire combinations and stays within radial construction. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewall styling, giving it a more truck-oriented presentation than the 15-inch whitewall options. This size deserves attention when the vehicle is already equipped with 16-inch wheels and the intended use leans toward a more aggressive all-terrain look.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sub-models because each one uses the same two radial tire sizes. The key is not trim level, but confirming whether the vehicle has 15-inch or 16-inch wheels before choosing a tire.
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1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner 4x2
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner 4x2 uses the same two radial fitments found elsewhere in the model range, so tire selection centers on the wheel diameter currently on the vehicle. Once that is confirmed, the decision becomes whether the owner wants a more traditional whitewall-style 15-inch tire or the larger 16-inch setup.
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner 4x4 shares the same two radial size options as the other covered sub-models. That means choosing tires starts with verifying the installed wheel diameter, then selecting the tire style and overall character that best suits how the truck is driven and presented.
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Limited follows the same fitment pattern, with both primary radial sizes associated with this sub-model. Because trim does not narrow the choice by itself, checking the actual wheels on the vehicle is the practical first step before comparing sidewall style and tire series.
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner SR5 uses the same pair of radial tire sizes as the rest of the covered lineup. Tire choice therefore depends less on the SR5 badge and more on whether the vehicle is on 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, along with the owner’s preference for appearance and 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 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner tires span several 225/75R15 radial choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with narrow and wide whitewall styles, while 265/70R16 is represented by a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.75 Inch Whitewall | 225/75R15
These FAQs focus on the two tire sizes used on the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, along with wheel-diameter confirmation, product-style differences, and the fitment checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
The 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner uses two primary radial tire sizes: 225/75R15 and 265/70R16. Those sizes correspond to two different wheel diameters, so both are correct fitments within this model range depending on how the individual vehicle is equipped.
The practical next step is checking the wheels already on the truck rather than choosing by trim name alone. A 15-inch wheel calls for the 225/75R15 fitment, while a 16-inch wheel calls for 265/70R16. Looking at the current tire sidewall and measuring the wheel diameter before ordering helps prevent selecting the right size for the wrong wheel.
What size rim does a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner use?
A 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner can use either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on which of its two primary tire sizes is on the vehicle. The 225/75R15 size is built for a 15-inch rim, and the 265/70R16 size is built for a 16-inch rim.
That makes rim diameter the first item to confirm before comparing tire choices. Checking the stamp on the wheel, reading the current tire size, or measuring the diameter across the bead seat area helps identify the correct setup. Tire selection becomes much easier once the wheel diameter is confirmed, especially because all covered sub-models can appear with either fitment.
Do all 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner 4x2, 4x4, Limited, and SR5 sub-models all share the same two tire-size options: 225/75R15 and 265/70R16. In other words, the fitment pattern stays consistent across the sub-models rather than assigning one exclusive size to each trim.
That consistency is helpful, but it does not eliminate the need to verify the actual wheels on the truck. A Limited or SR5 can still be sitting on either the 15-inch or 16-inch setup, and previous owners may have changed wheels over time. Matching the tire to the installed wheel remains more important than relying only on the sub-model name.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheel on the vehicle: 225/75R15 for a 15-inch rim or 265/70R16 for a 16-inch rim. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load figures, and the type of driving the 4Runner actually sees.
The 15-inch fitment leans toward whitewall-style radial choices, while the 16-inch fitment shown here takes a more truck-oriented all-terrain approach. An owner focused on appearance may care most about sidewall treatment, while an owner using the vehicle on rougher roads may focus more on the tire series and load specification. Keeping those priorities in order leads to a better match.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner tires?
Sidewall styling for the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner includes wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and RWL, which is raised white letter. The whitewall choices appear in 225/75R15, while the 265/70R16 option shown here uses raised white letters on a BFGoodrich all-terrain tire.
That means sidewall appearance is tied closely to wheel size and tire type, not just personal taste alone. A 15-inch setup gives a broader range of traditional-looking whitewall presentations, while the 16-inch fitment carries a more rugged truck-style visual. Owners trying to preserve a certain look should confirm size first, then compare sidewall treatment within that correct fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
Tires for the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner are available here from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Most of that variety appears in the 225/75R15 fitment, while the 265/70R16 offering shown here comes from BFGoodrich.
Brand choice matters most after the correct size and wheel diameter are settled. From there, the buyer can compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load figures that best match the truck’s intended use. Looking at those practical differences is more useful than treating brand alone as the deciding factor.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
A period-style approach for a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner usually starts by keeping the vehicle on its correct wheel diameter and choosing a tire that suits the look you want within that fitment. In the 225/75R15 size, several whitewall radial options create a more traditional presentation, while 265/70R16 carries a more truck-oriented appearance.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the 4Runner will actually be used. A more restrained road-going build may favor one of the 15-inch whitewall radials, while a sport-utility stance may point toward the 16-inch all-terrain look. Owners seeking exact historical presentation should also compare surviving examples, brochures, or marque-specific references before making a final choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
On the 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, the primary fitments are radial, so the construction itself stays consistent while the appearance changes more through size, tire series, and sidewall treatment. A narrow or wide whitewall in 225/75R15 creates a very different visual effect from a raised white letter 265/70R16 all-terrain.
That means the restored look is shaped less by bias-ply versus radial and more by the wheel-and-tire combination actually chosen. Matching the vehicle’s stance and purpose matters, especially on trucks that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Keeping the tire size aligned with the wheel diameter helps preserve proportions and avoid a look that feels out of place.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary options. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension lifts, lowering, or body trimming can all change how much room the tire has.
A 4Runner with modifications should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before settling on a tire choice. Wheel diameter is only the starting point; width and clearance matter too. Verifying the current setup is especially important on older trucks that may have been changed by previous owners over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire pressure. It is also smart to confirm that the tires clear the suspension, fenders, and steering components properly, especially if the truck has a non-stock wheel or suspension setup.
A short initial drive followed by a second inspection can reveal rubbing, air loss, or mounting issues before they become bigger problems. Older SUVs also benefit from checking alignment, shocks, and steering parts so the new tires wear evenly. Taking those steps helps the tires perform as intended and protects the investment in the new set.
How often should tires on a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Toyota Trucks 4Runner should be inspected regularly, not just when the vehicle is due for replacement. A quick visual check for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded objects, and low pressure is worthwhile before routine driving, and a closer inspection makes sense before longer trips.
That habit is especially important on vehicles that sit for stretches between uses. Even when tread looks good, age, storage conditions, and slow air loss can affect road readiness. Looking over the spare, checking pressures when the tires are cold, and watching for signs of irregular wear can help catch issues early and keep the 4Runner ready to drive.
