The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat sits in the era when full-size pickups balanced everyday comfort with real work and 4x4 capability, and the Lariat name pointed to a more upscale trim within that practical formula. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire selection starts with the exact configuration because this model year uses three different radial sizes: 275/60R17, 265/70R17, and 265/70R16. That means the decision is tied to sub-model and wheel diameter first, then to the available tire choices within the correct size. On this truck, getting the right stance, load capability, and wheel match matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes fit 17-inch wheels, while one fits a 16-inch wheel, so the first step is confirming whether the truck is a 4x2, 4x4, FX4 Super Cab, or FX4 Super Crew Cab and then verifying the wheels actually on the truck.
275/60R17 is a metric radial size in which 275 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat, this size is part of the truck's primary radial fitment and is tied to a 17-inch wheel. Its lower-profile look compared with the 70-series sizes makes wheel confirmation especially important. This is the size to evaluate when the truck is equipped for the 17-inch fitment that calls specifically for 275/60R17.
Fit(s): 4x4, FX4 Super Cab, and FX4 Super Crew Cab
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
265/70R17 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat, it is one of the primary fitments used on certain 4x4 and FX4 configurations, so it should not be treated as universal across every Lariat. Available products in this size include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options with raised white letter sidewalls. It is the size to consider when the truck has the correct 17-inch wheel setup and the specific sub-model calls for this taller-profile 17-inch fitment.
265/70R16 follows the same metric radial format, with 265 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 70 identifying the aspect ratio, and 16 calling for a 16-inch wheel. This size is a primary fitment on certain FX4 versions of the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat, making wheel diameter the key checkpoint before comparing tires. In the available product range, it appears as a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling. This size is worth focusing on when the truck retains its 16-inch setup and the buyer wants to stay aligned with that specific wheel and tire package.
Tire fitment on the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat is not the same across all covered sub-models. Checking whether the truck is a 4x2, 4x4, FX4 Super Cab, or FX4 Super Crew Cab is essential because size and wheel diameter can change with the configuration.
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2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat 4x2
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat 4x2 uses the 275/60R17 radial size. Tire selection here centers on confirming the 17-inch wheel setup and choosing within that exact size rather than assuming the taller 70-series Lariat tires also apply.
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat 4x4 uses the 265/70R17 radial size. That makes this version distinct from the 4x2, so the buyer should match the truck to the correct 17-inch fitment before comparing available all-terrain tire options.
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat FX4 Super Cab uses either 265/70R16 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Because both 16-inch and 17-inch wheel diameters appear here, wheel verification matters just as much as the FX4 badge before selecting a replacement tire.
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat FX4 Super Crew Cab also uses either 265/70R16 or 265/70R17 radial tires. For this sub-model, the practical step is to confirm the actual wheel diameter on the truck first, then compare tires within the matching size.
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 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat focus on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires in 265/70R17 and 265/70R16, both with raised white letter sidewalls. The main comparison points are wheel diameter, rim-width range, and load capacity within the correct size.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat, how fitment changes by sub-model, what the metric sizes mean, and what to inspect before putting a truck like this back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat?
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat uses three primary tire sizes: 275/60R17, 265/70R17, and 265/70R16. The correct size depends on the exact version of the truck. The 4x2 uses 275/60R17, the 4x4 uses 265/70R17, and certain FX4 Super Cab and FX4 Super Crew Cab configurations use either 265/70R16 or 265/70R17.
That means the first job is matching the tire to the actual sub-model and wheel diameter rather than choosing by appearance or brand first. Many F-150s have seen wheel changes over time, so it is smart to verify the size already on the truck and confirm the wheel diameter before comparing replacement tires.
What size rim does a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat use?
A 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat uses either a 17-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the tire size and configuration. The 275/60R17 and 265/70R17 sizes both require a 17-inch wheel, while the 265/70R16 size requires a 16-inch wheel. Rim diameter is one of the key fitment differences across this model.
Because more than one rim diameter appears on this truck, wheel confirmation should come before any tire purchase. Looking only at the sidewall width or profile is not enough. A 16-inch tire will not mount on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire will not mount on a 16-inch wheel, even when the widths seem similar.
Why does the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat have more than one tire size?
The 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat has more than one tire size because fitment changes with the sub-model and wheel package. The 4x2 uses 275/60R17, the 4x4 uses 265/70R17, and FX4 Super Cab and FX4 Super Crew Cab versions can use either 265/70R16 or 265/70R17. The truck is not built around one universal tire size.
That variation makes configuration and wheel verification more important than using another Lariat as a reference point. Two trucks with the same year and trim badge can still require different tires. Checking the truck's actual wheels, existing tire markings, and overall setup helps prevent choosing a size that belongs to a different Lariat configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 265/70R17 tire for a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat?
Start by confirming that 265/70R17 is the correct size for the specific 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat, since this size applies to the 4x4 and some FX4 configurations rather than every Lariat. Within that size, available choices include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, and there are versions with different load capacities and weights.
Selection should match the truck's wheel setup and intended use. A tire with higher load capacity may suit heavier-duty service, while the correct rim-width range still needs to match the wheel on the truck. Comparing the sidewall markings, wheel diameter, and how the truck is actually driven will narrow the choice more effectively than trim name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat tires?
The available products for the covered 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat sizes use RWL sidewalls, which means raised white letter styling. That sidewall treatment appears on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options offered in 265/70R17 and 265/70R16. It gives the truck a more traditional light-truck and off-road tire presentation.
Sidewall style affects appearance more than base fitment, so it should come after size and wheel confirmation. Once the correct tire size is established, raised white letter tires can help preserve the visual character many owners want on an early-2000s F-150. The practical question is whether that look matches the truck's intended stance and use.
What tire series are available for the 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat?
The available products for this 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat are in the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 series. That series appears in both 265/70R17 and 265/70R16, which are two of the primary fitments used on this model. It places the current product focus on an all-terrain style radial tire rather than multiple series choices.
With one tire series represented, the comparison shifts to size, wheel diameter, load capacity, and version-specific fitment. That is especially important on trucks such as the FX4, where either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels may be present. Choosing the right series starts with choosing the right size, then matching the tire's specifications to how the truck will be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat?
A period-style choice for a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat starts with using the correct original fitment size for the truck's exact sub-model and wheel diameter. That could mean 275/60R17, 265/70R17, or 265/70R16. Staying with the proper size preserves the truck's proportions more effectively than picking a tire based only on aggressive tread or wheel appearance.
For an owner who wants a traditional early-2000s truck look, sidewall presentation and overall stance matter after the correct fitment is established. Raised white letter all-terrain tires can support that style on the covered sizes here. Exact originality questions should still be checked against truck-specific references if the goal goes beyond a generally period-appropriate presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat restoration because the truck used more than one tire size and more than one wheel diameter. Using the wrong combination can change the truck's stance and visual balance, especially when a 4x2, 4x4, or FX4 configuration is being returned to a clean, stock-appearing setup.
Restoration-minded owners should verify the specific sub-model and the wheels actually installed before settling on a tire. That helps avoid mixing a 16-inch FX4 fitment with a 17-inch package from another version. Even on a newer collector-era truck, proper size selection is one of the simplest ways to keep the finished vehicle looking coherent and correctly sorted.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, leveling kits, lift kits, or body alterations can all change the space available for the original tire size. They can also alter the wheel width or diameter, which matters on a truck that already uses both 16-inch and 17-inch fitments.
That makes it important to inspect the truck as it sits rather than relying only on the trim badge. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock helps prevent fitment surprises. A modified truck may still use one of the original sizes, but its current setup should be confirmed before choosing a replacement tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat on new tires?
Before driving a 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are inflated properly, and confirm there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. Lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel condition deserve attention as part of the same check.
A careful road-use inspection should also include the truck's alignment feel, any signs of uneven old-tire wear, and the general condition of shocks, springs, and steering parts. On a truck that may have had wheel or suspension changes during its life, a short low-speed check for rubbing or vibration is a smart final step before longer driving.
How should tires on a collector-era 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 2002 Ford Trucks F-150 Lariat should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even a truck that is driven only occasionally can develop cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or slow air loss. Clean storage conditions also matter when the truck sits for long periods.
Periodic inspection is especially worthwhile on an older pickup because low annual mileage can hide tire aging. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls. It also helps to look for uneven wear that may point to alignment or suspension issues, particularly if the truck uses all-terrain tires and sees mixed road use.
