1998 Lincoln Trucks marked Lincoln’s entry into the full-size luxury SUV world with the Navigator, a model that blended traditional truck-based capability with the upscale comfort and presence buyers expected from the brand. That made tire selection more nuanced than simply matching the badge, because wheel and tire choices could differ even within this single-model year-and-make grouping. For 1998 Lincoln Trucks, one model uses two radial sizes, and the practical decision starts with confirming whether your Navigator carries 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the right tire choice becomes much more straightforward and keeps your selection aligned with the vehicle’s actual wheel fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1998 Lincoln Trucks
Two tire sizes are used on 1998 Lincoln Trucks vehicles, and both apply to the Navigator rather than being shared across multiple models. The real decision begins with confirming whether your SUV has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, since these sizes do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that difference before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the wheel already on the vehicle.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
245/75R16 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich with an RWL sidewall, and the current example carries an S speed rating with a 112 mph ceiling. Because it is specific to certain 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator wheel setups rather than universal across the year and make, it should be matched to a vehicle already equipped for a 16-inch tire. It suits owners who want a light-truck radial with a more truck-oriented appearance and capability profile.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17-in rim
255/75R17 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. Radial construction gives this size the modern format most 1998 luxury SUVs used, and the first sizing point to verify is the 17-inch wheel itself. This size is specific to certain 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator configurations rather than to every wheel setup used during the model year. It is the right path for owners confirming a 17-inch fitment and wanting to stay with the tire diameter the wheel requires.
One model is covered for 1998 Lincoln Trucks: the Navigator. Even with a single model in the lineup, tire size still varies, so identifying your exact wheel diameter matters before choosing a tire. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator
The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator was Lincoln’s first full-size luxury SUV, built to combine premium comfort with the scale and utility of a truck-based platform. It uses either 16-inch or 17-inch tire fitments depending on the wheel setup, so the tire choice hinges on the wheel already on the vehicle rather than on a different Lincoln Trucks model. Buyers restoring an original example or maintaining a well-kept driver should confirm the wheel diameter before moving on to tire selection.
One product is available across two tire sizes for 1998 Lincoln Trucks vehicles. The 245/75R16 has one BFGoodrich radial with an RWL sidewall; confirm your wheel diameter before selecting a tire for a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator.
These answers cover the two Navigator tire sizes used across 1998 Lincoln Trucks, how 16-inch and 17-inch fitments differ, what radial sizing codes mean, and what to check for safe use on a luxury SUV that may see occasional collector-duty driving.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1998 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
1998 Lincoln Trucks vehicles use two tire sizes: 245/75R16 and 255/75R17. Both sizes apply to the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, but they do not mount on the same wheel diameter. The 245/75R16 fits a 16-inch rim, and the 255/75R17 fits a 17-inch rim. For the 245/75R16 size, the supported rim width range is 6.5 to 8.0 inches on the BFGoodrich example available in that size.
That means the first fitment check is not tread style or brand preference, but wheel diameter. A Navigator wearing 16-inch factory-style wheels needs a 16-inch tire, while one equipped with 17-inch wheels needs the 17-inch size. If the vehicle has changed hands or has had wheel swaps over the years, confirming the wheel itself before choosing a tire is the quickest way to avoid a mismatch.
What does 245/75R16 mean on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks tire?
On a 1998 Lincoln Trucks tire, 245/75R16 is a metric radial size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, the R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. In the current 1998 Lincoln Trucks application, this size appears on the Navigator and is offered in a light-truck specification with an S speed rating, which carries a 112 mph ceiling.
For a buyer, that code tells you far more than overall size alone. It confirms both the tire’s construction type and the wheel diameter it must fit, which are the two most important filters before comparing sidewall styling or tread pattern. If your Navigator has 16-inch wheels, 245/75R16 keeps you in the correct diameter family and makes it easier to compare products on the right basis.
Do all 1998 Lincoln Trucks models use the same tire size?
1998 Lincoln Trucks has only one model in this application group, the Navigator, but it does not use just one tire size. The Navigator appears with both 245/75R16 and 255/75R17 fitments, so tire choice still varies within the year and make. The difference is tied to wheel diameter rather than to a separate Lincoln Trucks model line.
That matters because a buyer who knows only the year and make still has one more fitment step to complete. On some vintage applications, every model shares one size, but 1998 Lincoln Trucks requires a closer look at the actual wheel on the vehicle. Checking the sidewall of the existing tire, the wheel diameter stamp, or factory wheel size is the simplest way to narrow it down.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 245/75R16 or the 255/75R17 for my 1998 Lincoln Trucks?
A 1998 Lincoln Trucks owner should choose between 245/75R16 and 255/75R17 by matching the tire to the wheel diameter already on the Navigator. The 245/75R16 fits a 16-inch wheel, and the 255/75R17 fits a 17-inch wheel. Both are radial sizes, so this is not a bias-ply-versus-radial decision. It is a wheel-fitment decision first, followed by your preference for tread style, sidewall look, and intended use.
If your Navigator still wears its original-style wheels, staying with that wheel diameter keeps the process simple and preserves the vehicle’s intended tire-to-wheel relationship. If the SUV has had aftermarket or later-model wheels installed, confirm the wheel size directly rather than relying on assumptions tied to trim or appearance. Once diameter is confirmed, you can compare products within the correct size instead of chasing an avoidable fitment issue.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires?
1998 Lincoln Trucks tire choices can include different sidewall looks depending on the size and product. In the available 245/75R16 application, BFGoodrich offers an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letters. That style gives the Navigator a more assertive truck and SUV appearance than a plain blackwall. Sidewall appearance can matter nearly as much as tread design on a late-1990s luxury utility vehicle, especially if you are trying to match a period look.
Raised white letters suit buyers who want a more rugged visual character, while a blackwall presentation usually reads more formal and understated. On a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, either approach can change the personality of the vehicle even when the size remains correct. If appearance is part of your goal, choose the size first, then compare the sidewall treatment within that size so the look stays consistent with the way you use and present the truck.
What brands make tires for 1998 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
BFGoodrich is represented in the current 1998 Lincoln Trucks tire range, specifically in 245/75R16 with the All-Terrain T/A KO2. That gives Navigator owners a recognizable American name associated with truck and SUV use. The available example in this size combines radial construction with an RWL sidewall and a light-truck load specification, which places it firmly in the traditional truck-tire category rather than a passenger-car style replacement.
Brand choice matters because it often shapes the tire’s character as much as the size itself. A truck-focused BFGoodrich product will appeal to owners who want a more utility-oriented stance and sidewall presentation on a Navigator. If you are comparing options across the 1998 Lincoln Trucks range, use brand alongside wheel diameter, sidewall style, and load rating to decide whether the tire fits the way your SUV is driven and presented.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires depends on the exact size and product. For the 245/75R16 BFGoodrich application, the approved rim width range is 6.5 to 8.0 inches on a 16-inch wheel. That range is important because a tire may physically mount outside its intended width window yet still compromise shape, wear behavior, or steering feel. Rim diameter and rim width both need to be considered together.
When checking a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, measure or verify the actual wheel rather than assuming all factory-looking wheels share the same dimensions. Width matters for how the casing sits and supports the tread, especially on an SUV with more weight and ride height than a passenger car. If you are changing wheels or working with an older used set, confirm both the wheel diameter and width before choosing the tire size.
Do 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The current 245/75R16 example for 1998 Lincoln Trucks does not carry a tube-type marking, and its modern radial light-truck format aligns with typical tubeless use. No tube marker appears in the available specification for that product. That does not mean every wheel should automatically be treated the same way, because the wheel condition and design still matter, especially on an older SUV that may have seen replacement wheels over time.
The practical step is to verify the tire’s sidewall marking and inspect the wheel itself before installation. If the Navigator has sound tubeless-compatible wheels in good condition, a modern radial tire generally follows that setup. If there is any question about wheel age, corrosion, or prior repairs, a tire professional should inspect the wheel before the tire is mounted so the setup matches both the product and the wheel’s condition.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1998 Lincoln Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires protected from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone sources. Proper inflation during storage helps the tire keep its shape, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce flat-spotting from sitting in one position too long. Clean, dry floors are better than damp ground, and a breathable cover helps protect the vehicle without trapping moisture around the tires.
Even though these are radial tires rather than older bias-ply designs, long static storage is still hard on rubber. If the truck will sit for months, rolling it occasionally or supporting it appropriately can help reduce casing stress. Collector-use SUVs often age out their tires before they wear out, so good storage habits are one of the simplest ways to preserve both appearance and service life.
How long do tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks typically last?
Tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator are usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage, especially on lower-use collector or second-use vehicles. A sound rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement consideration regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall identifies the tire’s age, and that age matters because rubber compounds harden and crack over time.
A tire with deep tread can still be past its useful service window if it shows weathering, sidewall cracking, or age-related hardening. That is especially relevant on luxury SUVs that may spend long periods parked between outings. Checking the date code, comparing all five tires including the spare, and inspecting for visible age-related deterioration will give you a much clearer answer than tread depth alone.
How often should tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended highway outing. Look for cracking, punctures, irregular wear, bulges, cuts, and pressure loss, and do not overlook the valve stems and the spare. A heavy SUV places more demand on each tire than a compact car, so even small condition issues deserve attention before they turn into a road problem.
Monthly pressure checks are a good baseline, but visual inspection should happen far more often on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator that is used intermittently. Tires can lose pressure while sitting, and a truck that looks fine in the garage may reveal age cracks or sidewall damage in bright light. Making tire inspection part of every pre-drive routine is one of the easiest ways to keep an older luxury SUV road-ready.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
The 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator belongs to a period when radial tires were standard equipment across mainstream American luxury SUVs, so radial construction is the correct starting point for original-type fitment. The two size paths used in this application are 245/75R16 and 255/75R17, both modern metric radial formats. Original delivery could vary with wheel package and equipment level, so the exact size should be confirmed against the wheel on the vehicle and period factory literature when authenticity matters.
For a restoration-minded owner, the most important details are correct size, correct wheel diameter, and an era-appropriate overall appearance. A late-1990s Navigator does not present the same originality questions as a prewar or muscle-era car, but judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts still notice a mismatched diameter or an overly aggressive look that departs from factory character. If the truck is being prepared for marque-level judging, factory brochures and model-specific Lincoln sources remain worthwhile references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1998 Lincoln Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, even though it is a much newer collector vehicle than most traditional concours cars. Judges and informed enthusiasts will notice whether the tire size matches the wheel diameter and whether the overall look suits a late-1990s Lincoln luxury SUV. A 16-inch tire on a 17-inch wheel, or the reverse, is an obvious fitment error, and a sidewall style that changes the vehicle’s period character can also stand out.
For casual local shows, close visual correctness is often enough, but higher-level judging usually rewards a more faithful presentation. That means checking wheel size first, then choosing a tire whose sidewall treatment and overall stance fit the way a Navigator of that era would have appeared. If the event has strict originality standards, consult model-specific Lincoln communities for guidance on what judges in that venue tend to accept or question.
How authentic should a tire look on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator?
A tire on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator should look appropriate to a late-1990s American luxury SUV, which means radial construction, a proper metric size, and a sidewall style that fits the truck’s original character. This era sits well beyond the bias-ply and narrow whitewall period, so authenticity is less about antique construction and more about getting the diameter, proportions, and presentation right. Even subtle choices like raised white letters versus a quieter sidewall can change the visual tone of the vehicle.
Owners restoring a showroom-style Navigator often prefer a cleaner, more factory-minded appearance, while owners leaning into the SUV’s truck roots may like a more assertive sidewall. Neither choice changes the need for the correct wheel diameter, which remains the first authenticity checkpoint. Once that is right, you can decide whether your goal is a polished original look, a tasteful period accessory look, or a more utility-oriented presentation.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
1998 Lincoln Trucks tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is matched to the correct wheel and the tire is in sound condition. The available 245/75R16 BFGoodrich example carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling. That is well above normal U.S. highway speeds, but tire condition, inflation, age, and load are just as important as the speed symbol. On an older luxury SUV, the vehicle’s maintenance condition often matters more than the raw tire rating in everyday use.
A 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator headed onto the interstate should have tires free of cracking, bulges, and pressure loss, with no mismatch between tire size and wheel diameter. Because many surviving examples are not daily drivers, age can be a bigger concern than wear. If the tires are fresh, correctly inflated, and properly matched to the wheels, normal highway use is a reasonable expectation; if they are old or weathered, replacement should come before distance driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1998 Lincoln Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1998 Lincoln Trucks tire should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the original application and stay within the tire’s own rated limits. For the available 245/75R16 BFGoodrich application, the maximum load capacity is 3,042 pounds at 80 psi. That figure is the tire’s maximum load-and-pressure rating, not automatically the everyday pressure every Navigator should run. Tire pressure should always be set with the vehicle’s intended use, loading, and factory guidance in mind.
The safest approach is to begin with the factory pressure specification for your 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator and then confirm that the tire you choose is being used within its own published limits. Do not transfer an 80 psi maximum from a light-truck tire to another size or assume a maximum sidewall figure is the correct normal setting. If the vehicle’s wheel or tire setup has been changed, a knowledgeable tire professional can help reconcile the vehicle placard with the tire’s rating.
What should I check before taking a 1998 Lincoln Trucks on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1998 Lincoln Trucks on a longer drive, inspect all five tires for age cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Make sure the tire size matches the wheel diameter, verify the spare is usable, and check the valve stems for age or damage. A longer trip also justifies looking beyond the tires to the broader mechanical picture, because a late-1990s luxury SUV still carries age-related needs even when mileage is low.
On a 1998 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, tires are only one part of trip readiness, but they are one of the easiest parts to inspect thoroughly before leaving home. A quick pressure check and visual walkaround can catch problems that would be much harder to solve on the road. Pair that inspection with checks of brakes, fluids, steering, suspension, and charging system so the vehicle is prepared as a whole rather than just at the contact patch.
