1987 Mitsubishi Trucks arrived at a time when compact pickups and compact sport-utilities had become everyday workhorses in the U.S., and Mitsubishi’s lineup balanced practical utility with the growing appeal of light off-road capability. The Mighty Max and Montero served different roles, but both reflected the era’s shift toward efficient, versatile Japanese trucks. Tire sizing across 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks varies by model, with four radial sizes used across two model lines and only one size shared by both. That means the first step is to confirm whether you have a Mighty Max or a Montero, then match the correct rim diameter and tire size before narrowing your product choice.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks
Four tire sizes are used across 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full lineup. Every size here is a radial, so the main decision is not bias-ply versus radial construction, but identifying the correct model and confirming whether your truck uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you land on the right match.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Mighty Max|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This Mighty Max-specific size is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings in this size run up to 1,521 pounds at 32 psi or 1,433 pounds at 35 psi. It suits owners who want a stock-type radial size for a 14-inch-wheel Mighty Max while still having some flexibility in sidewall appearance.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Mighty Max, Montero|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
225/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. It is the one size shared across both the Mighty Max and Montero, and it is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. This size makes sense for owners of either model who have 15-inch wheels and want the broadest brand coverage within the 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks range.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Mighty Max|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This Mighty Max-specific size is available from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings reach 1,532 pounds at 35 psi on products that carry full load information. It is a useful choice for a 14-inch-wheel Mighty Max when you want a little more section width than 195/75R14 while staying within the same basic radial format.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Mighty Max|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This Mighty Max-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic with wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and goldline sidewall styles, and load ratings in products with published figures reach 1,598 pounds at 35 psi. It works for Mighty Max owners using 15-inch wheels who want a narrower alternative to 225/75R15 without moving away from a period-appropriate radial layout.
Two models are covered under 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks. They do not all use the same tire sizes, so identifying the model matters before choosing a tire, especially since the lineup spans both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1987 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max
The Mighty Max was Mitsubishi’s compact pickup, aimed at buyers who wanted a smaller truck for daily use, light hauling, and practical utility. In 1987 it carried the broadest tire range in the Mitsubishi truck lineup, with fitments on both 14-inch and 15-inch wheels depending on configuration. That makes model-and-wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a size.
The Montero was Mitsubishi’s compact sport-utility, known for combining everyday road use with genuine off-road character in a smaller footprint than full-size 4x4s. For 1987, its tire fitment within this range centers on a 15-inch wheel, which simplifies size selection compared with the pickup. Buyers mainly need to confirm the vehicle is a Montero and then match that 15-inch tire size correctly.
Twenty-three products are available across four tire sizes for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles. 195/75R14 uses five radial choices from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis in narrow or wide whitewall; 225/75R15 uses seven radial choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic in narrow or wide whitewall; 205/75R14 uses eleven radial choices from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis in narrow or wide whitewall; 205/75R15 uses eleven radial choices from BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or goldline styles.
Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
These FAQs focus on how 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tire sizes differ between Mighty Max and Montero models, how the 14-inch and 15-inch fitments relate to each other, and what to check for sidewall style, wheel fit, storage, and road use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles?
1987 Mitsubishi Trucks use four tire sizes across two models: 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 205/75R15, and 225/75R15. The Mighty Max uses all four of those sizes depending on configuration, while the Montero uses 225/75R15 in this range. The 14-inch sizes mount on 14-inch wheels, and the 15-inch sizes mount on 15-inch wheels, so rim diameter is the first filter before anything else.
A Mighty Max owner cannot rely on year and make alone because the truck appears with both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. A Montero owner has a simpler starting point with 225/75R15, but it is still wise to compare the actual tire on the truck and confirm the wheel before ordering. Once the size is confirmed, the next choice becomes brand and sidewall appearance rather than a different construction type, since every size here is radial.
What does 195/75R14 mean on a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tire?
On 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks, 195/75R14 is a metric radial size. The 195 identifies a nominal section width of 195 millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within this year and make, that size applies to the Mighty Max rather than the Montero.
That code matters because it tells you both the wheel diameter and the tire’s basic proportions. A truck fitted for 195/75R14 cannot simply move to a 15-inch size without a wheel change, and it should not be confused with the wider 205/75R14 even though both fit 14-inch rims. If your Mighty Max wears 14-inch wheels, checking the exact sidewall marking on the truck is the fastest way to separate those two fitments.
Do all 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks models use the same tire size?
No. 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks do not share one universal tire size across the full model range. The Mighty Max appears with 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 205/75R15, and 225/75R15, while the Montero uses 225/75R15 in this range. That means size varies by model and, in the Mighty Max’s case, by wheel setup as well.
For a buyer, the practical takeaway is simple: identify the model first, then confirm whether the truck has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. That step matters more here than trying to choose by appearance alone, because a whitewall style or brand preference does not override wheel diameter. If you are working with a restored or modified truck, compare the wheel and the existing tire sidewall rather than assuming the original fitment stayed in place.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires?
1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires are available with several sidewall looks depending on size. 195/75R14, 205/75R14, and 225/75R15 come in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms, while 205/75R15 adds a goldline option alongside narrow and wide whitewalls. All of these are radial tires, so the visual choice is mainly about appearance and how closely you want the truck to reflect a particular period custom or restoration style.
A whitewall or goldline choice can change the personality of the truck more than many buyers expect. Narrow whitewalls tend to read more restrained, while wide whitewalls create a more overt vintage look, and a goldline can lean toward a period accessory feel. For a late-1980s Japanese truck or SUV, many owners prioritize a cleaner radial look first and then choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the wheels, paint, and intended presentation.
What brands make tires for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles?
1987 Mitsubishi Trucks coverage includes Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and American Classic, depending on size. 195/75R14 is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis; 225/75R15 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic; 205/75R14 from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis; and 205/75R15 from BFGoodrich, Tornel, and American Classic. That gives the Mighty Max especially broad brand coverage across both its 14-inch and 15-inch fitments.
Brand choice usually comes down to the visual style you want and which exact size your truck uses. Some sizes have stronger whitewall variety, while others include distinctive looks such as a goldline. Once the size is confirmed, compare the brand options within that single size instead of trying to compare across the whole year and make, because each size has its own mix of sidewall treatments and load figures.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and American Classic Radial for the 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks 225/75R15 size?
In 225/75R15 for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial appears with a 2.75-inch wide whitewall, a 6.00-to-8.00-inch rim width range, and a 1,874-pound load rating at 35 psi. American Classic Radial appears with a 1.6-inch narrow whitewall, the same 6.00-to-8.00-inch rim width range, and the same 1,874-pound load rating at 35 psi. The main difference between them is sidewall appearance rather than basic fitment envelope.
That makes the choice easier for a buyer who already knows the truck needs 225/75R15. If you want a fuller whitewall presence, the BFGoodrich Silvertown version is the more pronounced visual statement. If you want a subtler whitewall while keeping the same general rim-width compatibility and published load figure, the American Classic version takes that route. On a Mighty Max or Montero, the decision is usually aesthetic once the size and wheel diameter are confirmed.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks varies by size and sometimes by product. In 195/75R14, published ranges include 5.00 to 7.00 inches and 5.00 to 6.50 inches. In 205/75R14, published ranges include 5.50 to 7.50 inches and 5.00 to 7.00 inches. In 205/75R15, published ranges include 5.50 to 7.50 inches, and in 225/75R15, published ranges include 6.00 to 8.00 inches and 6.00 to 7.50 inches.
Those ranges show why wheel verification matters before choosing among close-looking sizes. A 14-inch wheel still needs the right width for the specific tire, and the same is true with the 15-inch options on Mighty Max and Montero models. If your truck wears original wheels, the existing tire size is often the best starting clue; if it has aftermarket wheels, measure or confirm the wheel width directly before settling on a replacement tire.
Do 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks sizes covered here are modern radial sizes, and the available products appear as standard radial fitments rather than tube-type marked collector sizes. Their size markings use metric radial nomenclature such as 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 205/75R15, and 225/75R15, with no tube-type marking shown on these products. In normal use, that points buyers toward tubeless-compatible radial applications when the wheel itself is suitable.
Wheel condition still matters. If the truck has original steel wheels, inspect the bead seats, valve stem area, and overall corrosion before mounting new tires. A damaged or poorly sealed wheel can create air-loss problems even with a tubeless radial. If you are dealing with a restored truck that has mixed parts, unusual wheels, or long-stored components, a tire installer familiar with older imported trucks can help verify whether the wheel is appropriate for a tubeless radial setup.
Can the original 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks wheels cannot be treated as universal across all four sizes because the fitments span both 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters. The 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 sizes require 14-inch wheels, while 205/75R15 and 225/75R15 require 15-inch wheels. Within those diameter groups, published rim-width ranges overlap in many cases, but the exact wheel still needs to match the tire you choose.
That means a Mighty Max owner should confirm both diameter and width before assuming one factory wheel can take any tire from the year range. A Montero owner has a narrower decision path because the fitment centers on 225/75R15, but wheel verification is still worthwhile on older trucks that may have had replacements over time. Staying inside the proper diameter and rim-width range keeps the tire profile and bead seating closer to its intended shape.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and avoid letting the truck sit on damp ground. Because these fitments are radial rather than bias-ply, they generally resist temporary flat-spotting better than older bias designs, but long static storage still hardens rubber over time.
If the truck will sit for months, moving it periodically helps change the contact patch and reduce stress in one spot. Some owners also use stands to take weight off the tires during extended storage, especially on collector vehicles that are driven infrequently. A simple storage routine protects whitewalls, preserves casing shape, and makes the truck more ready for service when driving season returns.
How long do tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks typically last?
On a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, tire age is usually a more useful guide than mileage because many surviving examples are collector, hobby, or occasional-use trucks. A common practice is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the quickest way to establish the tire’s age.
That matters because a truck that looks lightly used can still be riding on old rubber with weakened structure, hardened compound, or sidewall cracking. Whitewall tires also deserve extra visual attention because cosmetic aging can hide the beginning of deeper deterioration. If the truck has been stored indoors for years, do not assume the tires are automatically sound; age, pressure retention, and sidewall condition should all be part of the decision.
How often should tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle should be checked before every drive, and they deserve a more deliberate inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow pressure loss. Since these trucks often see intermittent use, pressure can drift downward between drives even when tread wear is minimal.
A seasonal inspection schedule is helpful, but it should not replace a quick pre-drive walkaround. Pay close attention after the truck has been parked for an extended period, after any curb impact, or after changing wheels. If the spare is still part of your travel plan, inspect it with the same care as the road tires, because an aged or underinflated spare can turn a minor issue into a roadside problem on an older truck.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks sizes covered here are all radial tires, which are well suited to normal road use when the correct size is matched to the truck and the tire is in sound condition. These particular products do not show published speed letters in their size markings, so the first safety priorities are proper size, proper inflation, and overall tire age and condition. On a late-1980s pickup or SUV, the truck’s brakes, suspension wear, steering condition, and alignment can affect highway confidence as much as the tire itself.
For practical use, a healthy radial tire in the right size is a sensible match for the way most Mighty Max and Montero vehicles are driven today. Before sustained highway use, inspect for cracking, vibration, pull, and uneven wear, and make sure the truck tracks straight with stable steering. If the vehicle has sat for long periods or has unknown maintenance history, a full chassis and brake inspection is just as important as choosing the tire.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks tires should begin with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific model and axle loading, then be checked against the tire’s own published load-and-pressure information. In these sizes, published figures include 1,521 pounds at 32 psi for one 195/75R14 option, 1,399 to 1,433 pounds at 35 psi for other 195/75R14 options, 1,532 pounds at 35 psi for 205/75R14, 1,598 pounds at 35 psi for 205/75R15, and 1,874 to 2,094 pounds at 32 to 35 psi for 225/75R15 products.
Those numbers should not be transferred casually from one size to another, because each size and product can carry a different relationship between load and pressure. Use the truck’s original recommendation as your baseline for normal service, then confirm that the tire itself is operating within its rated limits. If the truck is used for hauling, towing, or mixed unloaded and loaded driving, pressure setting deserves extra attention rather than a one-number-for-every-use approach.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, tread wear, and stable air pressure. Check the valve stems, make sure each tire matches the intended size for the truck, and look for any uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension problems. A radial tire that has aged out or lost pressure is a much bigger risk on a long trip than on a short local drive.
Tires are only one part of the preparation. Older trucks also deserve a quick check of wheel fasteners, brakes, steering play, shocks, and fluid levels before spending extended time at speed. If the truck has recently come out of storage, give it a short shakedown run close to home first. That approach helps reveal vibration, pull, brake drift, or heat-related issues before you commit to a longer highway outing.
