By 1989, Mitsubishi Trucks offered a compact pickup-and-SUV lineup that appealed to buyers who wanted Japanese durability with practical size and everyday usability. The Mighty Max and Montero served different jobs, but both sat in the era when radial tires were fully established and sizing varied more by model and wheel package than by old bias-ply conventions. Across 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks, two models use four distinct tire sizes, with one 15-inch size shared between both models while the others are model-specific. Before choosing a tire for a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, confirm whether you have a Mighty Max or Montero first, then match the correct 14-inch or 15-inch size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks
Four tire sizes are used across 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The key decision is confirming the correct model and rim diameter first, since the Mighty Max uses both 14-inch and 15-inch sizes while the Montero uses 15-inch sizes only. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): Mighty Max|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/75R14 is a radial metric size with a 195-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This Mighty Max-specific size is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. It suits a Mighty Max owner who wants to stay with the smaller 14-inch fitment while choosing the sidewall look that best matches the truck's finish and use.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): Mighty Max, Montero|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
225/75R15 is a radial metric size with a 225-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. It is available for both the Mighty Max and Montero from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall choices. This is the shared 15-inch size across the 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks range, making it the right place to focus if your truck or SUV already wears 15-inch wheels and you want a road-oriented radial with a traditional whitewall appearance.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): Mighty Max|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/75R14 is a radial metric size with a 205-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This Mighty Max-specific size is available from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. It is a sensible choice for a Mighty Max that uses the 14-inch wheel fitment and gives the owner more visual flexibility than a plain black sidewall approach.
Year(s): 1989|Fit(s): Montero|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
235/75R15 is a radial metric size with a 235-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This Montero-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, and Coker Classic, with RWL, wide whitewall, and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, and speed rating varies by product; the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. It is the size to consider for a Montero on 15-inch wheels when you want either a more utility-oriented all-terrain look or a more classic whitewall presentation.
Two models are covered for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks. Tire size varies by model, and in the case of the Mighty Max, it also varies within the model depending on wheel fitment, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes that apply to it.
1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max
The 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max was Mitsubishi's compact pickup, known for straightforward utility and light-duty versatility in an era when imported mini-trucks had a strong following. Its tires mount on either 14-inch or 15-inch wheels depending on configuration, so identifying the wheel size on the truck matters before moving on to sidewall style or brand preference.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero was Mitsubishi's boxy sport utility, built around off-road capability and family-duty practicality at a time when imported SUVs were gaining real traction in the U.S. market. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the choice comes down to whether your Montero uses the shared 225/75R15 size or the model-specific 235/75R15 fitment.
Thirty-three products are available across four tire sizes for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles. 195/75R14 has 5 radial options from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis in wide and narrow whitewall styles; 225/75R15 has 7 radial options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic; 205/75R14 has 11 radial options from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis; 235/75R15 has 10 radial options from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, and Coker Classic in RWL, wide whitewall, and narrow whitewall styles. Confirm your size before selecting.
Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
These answers focus on how 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tire fitment changes between Mighty Max and Montero models, what each metric radial size means, and how sidewall style, rim width, load rating, and collector-vehicle care affect the right choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles?
1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles use four tire sizes across two models: 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 225/75R15, and 235/75R15. The Mighty Max uses 195/75R14, 205/75R14, and 225/75R15, while the Montero uses 225/75R15 and 235/75R15. The 14-inch sizes mount on 14-inch wheels, and the 15-inch sizes mount on 15-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears on many of these radials, including 5.00-7.00 or 5.00-6.50 for 195/75R14, 5.50-7.50 or 5.00-7.00 for 205/75R14, 6.00-8.00 or 6-7.5 for 225/75R15, and roughly 6.0-8.5 for 235/75R15.
That means fitment for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks starts with identifying the model and then confirming whether the vehicle has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. A Mighty Max owner may need to narrow the choice further than a Montero owner, because the pickup spans both wheel diameters. Once the correct size is confirmed, the next decision is usually brand and sidewall appearance rather than construction type, since all four sizes are radial.
What does 195/75R14 mean on a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tire?
On a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tire, 195/75R14 is a metric radial size. The 195 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks applications, that size is used on the Mighty Max and fits a 14-inch wheel. Available versions include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis.
For a Mighty Max owner, the practical point is that 195/75R14 is not interchangeable with the truck's 15-inch option because the wheel diameter changes with the size. It is also one of the narrower 14-inch choices in this year-and-make range, so the visual stance and sidewall look can differ noticeably depending on whether you choose a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall version. Confirm the actual wheel on the truck before choosing among those appearance options.
Do all 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks models do not all use the same tire size. The Mighty Max uses three sizes across its applications—195/75R14, 205/75R14, and 225/75R15—while the Montero uses 225/75R15 and 235/75R15. Only 225/75R15 is shared by both models. That mix reflects the fact that the compact pickup and the SUV were built for different duties and could appear with different wheel diameters.
A buyer who knows only that the vehicle is a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks model is still one step short of the right tire. On this year and make, the model name matters, and on the Mighty Max the wheel size matters as well. If the truck or SUV has been restored, modified, or simply had wheels swapped over the years, checking the sidewall on the current tire and measuring the wheel diameter before ordering is the cleanest way to avoid a mismatch.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires?
1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires come in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 195/75R14, 205/75R14, and 225/75R15 sizes are offered in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form, while 235/75R15 adds an RWL option alongside wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions. That gives both the Mighty Max and Montero a wider range of visual choices than many late-1980s truck owners expect, especially if the goal is a period custom look rather than a plain modern sidewall.
The best sidewall style for a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle depends on how you want it to read visually. A whitewall can lean toward a custom, street, or nostalgic presentation, while an RWL treatment on 235/75R15 fits more naturally with an SUV or light-truck look. If appearance matters as much as fitment, choose the correct size first and then compare sidewall width so the finished look matches the character of your Mighty Max or Montero.
What brands make tires for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles?
Several brands cover 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks sizes. 195/75R14 is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis; 205/75R14 from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis; 225/75R15 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic; and 235/75R15 from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, and Coker Classic. All four year-make sizes are radial, but the brand mix changes with the exact size and with the sidewall look tied to each product line.
That spread gives a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks owner room to prioritize visual style, heritage branding, or a more utility-focused tread pattern without leaving the correct factory-size family. It also means brand choice should come after model and size confirmation, not before it. A Montero owner drawn to BFGoodrich, for example, may still need to decide whether the vehicle uses the shared 225/75R15 size or the Montero-specific 235/75R15 size first.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Coker Classic Star Series for the 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks 225/75R15 size?
For 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles using 225/75R15, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Coker Classic Star Series are both radial tires for 15-inch wheels, but they differ in sidewall treatment, load rating, and approved rim width range. The BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial appears here as a 2.75-inch wide whitewall with a 1,874-pound load rating at 35 psi and a 6.00-8.00 inch rim width range. The Coker Classic Star Series appears in both 2.75-inch wide whitewall and 1.60-inch narrow whitewall versions, with a 2,094-pound load rating at 32 psi and a 6-7.5 inch rim width range.
On a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, the real choice between those two comes down to the look you want and whether your wheel falls comfortably within the rim width range of the specific tire. The Star Series also gives you a narrower whitewall option in the same size, while the BFGoodrich version focuses on the wider whitewall presentation. Checking the wheel width before selecting between them is just as important as deciding which sidewall style fits the truck or SUV best.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires depend on the size. 195/75R14 commonly fits rims from 5.00 to 7.00 inches, with one version spanning 5.00 to 6.50. The 205/75R14 size commonly fits 5.50 to 7.50 inch rims, with another version at 5.00 to 7.00. The 225/75R15 size spans either 6.00 to 8.00 inches or 6 to 7.5 inches depending on the tire, and 235/75R15 commonly falls between about 6.0 and 8.5 inches depending on brand.
Those ranges matter because the same size can have slightly different approved wheel widths from one product line to another. A 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks owner should measure the actual wheel before settling on a brand, especially on a vehicle that may no longer wear its original wheels. Matching the tire to both the correct size and the correct wheel width helps preserve proper shape, handling feel, and tread contact.
Can the original 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks wheels be used with both or all tire sizes?
Original 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks wheels can only be shared among sizes that use the same rim diameter. The 14-inch Mighty Max sizes, 195/75R14 and 205/75R14, both mount on 14-inch wheels. The 15-inch sizes, 225/75R15 and 235/75R15, both mount on 15-inch wheels, and 225/75R15 is the shared size used by both Mighty Max and Montero. A 14-inch wheel cannot take a 15-inch tire, and a 15-inch wheel cannot take a 14-inch tire.
That makes wheel diameter the first checkpoint on any 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks project, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or been modified. Within a shared diameter family, wheel width still needs to be confirmed against the chosen tire's approved range. The safest approach is to verify the wheel size stamped on the rim and then compare that wheel's width with the range tied to the exact tire you are considering.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle when the tires are fitted?
A 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the vehicle periodically so the casing is not sitting in one contact patch for months at a time. Because every size used on 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks is radial, storage concerns center more on age, pressure retention, and environmental exposure than on the sharper flat-spot tendencies common to older bias-ply tires.
If the vehicle will sit for an extended season, rolling it occasionally or supporting it correctly can reduce long-term stress on the sidewalls. That matters on both the Mighty Max and Montero, since even a good-looking radial can age from inactivity and environment before tread wear becomes an issue. A breathable cover, stable temperature, and distance from moisture sources will do more for tire longevity than simply parking the vehicle indoors.
How long do tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle typically last?
Tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle usually age out before they wear out if the truck or SUV is used as a collector, hobby, or occasional driver. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as a strong replacement consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall gives the tire's age, and that age matters more than mileage on many lightly used vintage or specialty vehicles.
A Montero or Mighty Max that sees weekend miles, shows, or seasonal use can still be riding on tires that look serviceable but have hardened with time. Sidewall cracking, internal aging, and long storage intervals all shorten the useful life of a tire even when tread depth remains acceptable. Checking the date code and comparing it with how the vehicle is actually used is the most realistic way to judge replacement timing.
How often should tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle should be inspected before every drive, and the inspection should be more deliberate before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs of impact damage from potholes or curbs. Radials in these sizes should also be checked for steady air retention, because slow pressure loss can change how an older truck or SUV tracks and responds long before the tire looks visibly flat.
A quick walk-around is enough for local use, but a longer outing deserves pressure checks with a gauge and a closer look at the spare as well. On a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, that habit is especially worthwhile because age, storage time, and old wheel condition can affect tire service even when the vehicle sees limited mileage. Regular inspection catches small issues while they are still easy to address.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max?
A 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max would have originally used radial tires, not bias-ply construction, because by the late 1980s radial fitment was standard practice on compact pickups sold in the U.S. market. The Mighty Max family uses 195/75R14, 205/75R14, and 225/75R15 depending on application, all in radial form. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed across every truck, trim, market, or wheel package simply because late-production vehicles often varied in supplier details.
For an owner restoring a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Mighty Max, the most authentic starting point is to verify the exact size tied to the truck's wheel and factory configuration before worrying about sidewall style. If the restoration aims for market-correct detail, a marque specialist, factory literature, or an unrestored reference truck can help settle whether a given wheel package originally carried the 14-inch or 15-inch fitment. That approach keeps authenticity tied to the actual truck rather than a broad year-make assumption.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, especially if the event values originality or period presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts tend to notice whether the tire size matches the vehicle's wheel diameter and stance, whether the construction is era-appropriate, and whether the sidewall style suits the type of build. On a late-1980s Mitsubishi truck or SUV, a modern radial is appropriate, but the wrong size or an out-of-character sidewall treatment can still change how authentic the vehicle appears.
The practical takeaway is that show goals should shape the final choice once fitment is confirmed. A stock-appearing Montero may read differently on an RWL all-terrain than on a whitewall radial, while a customized Mighty Max might intentionally lean the other direction. If the event has strict standards, check with the hosting club or Mitsubishi marque community so the tire's size and appearance line up with the kind of judging the vehicle will face.
What is the difference between American Classic Radial and Maxxis for the 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks 235/75R15 size?
For 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicles using 235/75R15, American Classic Radial and Maxxis are both radial 15-inch tires, but they differ in sidewall treatment, approved rim width range, weight, and load rating. The American Classic version uses a 3-inch wide whitewall, carries a 2,028-pound load rating at 35 psi, fits 6.00-8.50 inch rims, and weighs 29 pounds. The Maxxis version uses a narrow whitewall, also carries a 2,028-pound load rating at 35 psi, fits 6.00-8.00 inch rims, and weighs 31 pounds.
That means a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks Montero owner can choose between two visibly different presentations in the same size without changing the basic fitment. The American Classic tire gives a broader whitewall look and a slightly wider approved rim range, while the Maxxis version keeps a narrower whitewall appearance. For a restoration or period-style build, that visual difference may matter as much as the technical specs, so compare the tire to the wheel and the vehicle's finished theme before deciding.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is used, the tire is in sound condition, and inflation is appropriate for the application. All four year-make sizes here are radial, which aligns well with normal road use. Among the products carrying a visible speed marking, the 235/75R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has an S rating, which corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling. At ordinary highway speeds, the tire's condition and the vehicle's overall mechanical state matter at least as much as the rated capability on the sidewall.
A late-1980s Mighty Max or Montero is still an older vehicle, so safe highway use depends on the full package working together. Tire age, alignment, brake condition, steering components, shocks, and wheel condition all affect stability on a longer drive. If the truck or SUV has been sitting, start with a careful inspection and a conservative road test before assuming it is ready for modern interstate use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure for 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks tires should begin with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the exact model and size, then be checked against the tire maker's sidewall information for the specific product. Load-and-pressure figures vary by size and by tire line: 195/75R14 examples appear at 32 psi or 35 psi, 205/75R14 commonly appears at 35 psi, 225/75R15 appears at 32 psi or 35 psi, and 235/75R15 appears at 32 psi, 35 psi, or 50 psi depending on the product. Those are rated maximum load-pressure pairings, not one universal setting for every 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks application.
That distinction matters because transferring a pressure figure from one size to another can change ride, wear, and handling in ways the vehicle was not meant to have. The right approach is to confirm the exact tire, then compare the vehicle placard or owner's manual guidance with the tire's load-carrying specification. If the truck or SUV is used lightly and kept close to stock, that combination usually gives the best starting point for fine-tuning pressure safely.
What should I check before taking a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Make sure the size on the vehicle matches the wheel diameter, confirm the valve stems are in good condition, and look for signs of age-related hardening even if tread depth still appears good. On a Montero with 235/75R15, also pay attention to whether the tire is a road-style whitewall radial or an all-terrain RWL, since tread type can affect noise and feel on the trip.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive review that includes brakes, steering, suspension, lights, fluids, and the condition of the wheel fasteners. A 1989 Mitsubishi Trucks vehicle can still be an excellent road companion, but age means small maintenance issues matter more than they do on a newer truck. Catching them in the driveway is far easier than discovering them after the trip has started.
