The 1999 Lincoln Trucks range was focused on the Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV that brought Lincoln comfort and presence into the truck-based sport-utility market at the end of the 1990s. It shared its roots with Ford's large SUV platform, but its identity leaned upscale, making tire choice matter for both appearance and road manners. For 1999 Lincoln Trucks, one model uses two different radial sizes rather than a mix of multiple model-specific fitments, so the key decision is confirming whether your Navigator rides on 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. Before choosing a tire, verify the wheel diameter on the vehicle and match the size stamped on the sidewall.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1999 Lincoln Trucks
Two tire sizes are used for 1999 Lincoln Trucks, and both apply to the Navigator rather than being split across multiple model lines. Since these sizes use different rim diameters, the first step is confirming whether your SUV has 16-inch or 17-inch wheels before comparing products. Understanding that distinction up front saves time and helps you choose the right match.
Year(s): 1999|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, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich with an RWL sidewall, and the current option carries an S speed rating with a 112 mph ceiling. On a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, this size suits owners who need the 16-inch fitment used on that wheel diameter and want a modern radial truck tire with a more utility-oriented look.
Year(s): 1999|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, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator applications using 17-inch wheels, so it is not interchangeable with the 16-inch fitment without changing wheels. It is the correct direction for owners who have the 17-inch wheel setup and need to stay with that rim diameter before narrowing the choice to a particular tire style.
One model is covered for 1999 Lincoln Trucks. Even with a single model, tire size still matters because the Navigator uses two different fitments tied to wheel diameter, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator
The 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator was Lincoln's flagship full-size SUV, blending body-on-frame utility with the upscale styling and comfort expected from the brand. It uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch tire fitment depending on the wheel package, so confirming the wheel diameter on the truck is the first step before choosing a replacement.
One product is available across two tire sizes for 1999 Lincoln Trucks vehicles. The 245/75R16 fitment includes one BFGoodrich radial with an RWL sidewall, while the 255/75R17 fitment remains part of the year's coverage and should be confirmed by wheel diameter before selecting a tire.
These answers cover the two Navigator fitments used for 1999 Lincoln Trucks, how 16-inch and 17-inch wheel setups change your tire choice, and what to check for road use, storage, sidewall style, and long-term collector care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1999 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
1999 Lincoln Trucks vehicles are represented here by the Navigator, and it uses two tire sizes: 245/75R16 and 255/75R17. Both are radial sizes, but they do not share the same rim diameter. The 245/75R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, while the 255/75R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel. For the 245/75R16, the compatible rim width range is 6.5 to 8.0 inches.
That means the real fitment question on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator is not just the year and model, but which wheel package is on the vehicle now. Checking the tire sidewall and measuring or verifying the wheel diameter before replacement will keep you from crossing a 16-inch tire with a 17-inch wheel. If the truck has changed hands or has aftermarket wheels, confirm the actual wheel on the vehicle rather than assuming the original setup is still in place.
What does 245/75R16 mean on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks tire?
On a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, 245/75R16 is a metric radial tire size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, the R means radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. In the available BFGoodrich application, this size carries a 120S service description, with the S speed rating corresponding to a 112 mph maximum rating under proper conditions.
That code gives you the key dimensions needed to match the tire to the wheel and preserve the intended fitment. It does not, by itself, tell you every detail about sidewall appearance, load range, or ride character, so those points still need to be checked product by product. On a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, 245/75R16 is the right starting point only if the SUV is equipped with 16-inch wheels.
Do all 1999 Lincoln Trucks models use the same tire size?
For 1999 Lincoln Trucks, the only model covered here is the Navigator, and even that single model does not use just one size. The Navigator appears with both 245/75R16 and 255/75R17 fitments, depending on wheel diameter. Both are radial tires, but they are not direct substitutes because one is for a 16-inch rim and the other is for a 17-inch rim.
That makes wheel verification more important than simply knowing you own a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator. A sidewall check, spare-tire check, or direct wheel measurement will settle the question quickly and prevent ordering the wrong diameter. If the truck has been upgraded with replacement wheels over the years, use the actual hardware on the vehicle as your reference point instead of relying only on memory or a prior owner's notes.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 245/75R16 or the 255/75R17 for my 1999 Lincoln Trucks?
A 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator does not treat 245/75R16 and 255/75R17 as interchangeable options on the same wheel. Both are radial sizes, but the 245/75R16 is for a 16-inch rim and the 255/75R17 is for a 17-inch rim. The choice is determined first by the wheel diameter already on the vehicle, not by a simple preference between two similar-looking sizes.
Once wheel diameter is confirmed, you can evaluate the tire that matches your use. The 245/75R16 fitment currently includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with a more rugged truck-tire character and raised white letters, which may appeal to owners who want a utility-minded look. If your Navigator has 17-inch wheels, stay with the 255/75R17 fitment path and compare options built for that diameter rather than trying to adapt the 16-inch size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1999 Lincoln Trucks tires?
Sidewall appearance can change the personality of a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator almost as much as the wheel itself. In the 245/75R16 fitment, BFGoodrich offers an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letters. That is a more assertive truck-and-SUV look than a plain blackwall and suits the late-1990s fashion for upscale utilities with a bit of off-road visual attitude.
If preserving a factory-like appearance matters to you, check the truck's original wheel-and-tire presentation against photos, brochures, or marque references before settling on sidewall style. Some owners prefer the period flavor of visible white lettering, while others want a cleaner luxury-SUV presentation. On a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, sidewall style is not just cosmetic; it influences whether the truck reads more like a luxury cruiser or a premium sport-utility with tougher visual cues.
What brands make tires for 1999 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
BFGoodrich is represented for 1999 Lincoln Trucks in the 245/75R16 fitment, with the All-Terrain T/A KO2 available in radial construction. That gives the Navigator a recognized American truck-tire brand with a long history in light-truck applications. The brand focus here is narrower than on many older collector applications, where multiple vintage-style reproductions may exist in the same size.
For a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator owner, brand choice should still come after confirming the correct wheel diameter and tire size. Once the fitment is established, compare the tire's intended character with how the SUV is actually used, whether that is mostly paved-road touring, occasional towing, or a more rugged visual presentation. Keeping the brand discussion tied to the correct size first will save a great deal of confusion.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1999 Lincoln Trucks tires require?
Rim width matters because it affects how the tire seats, carries load, and presents on the wheel. For 1999 Lincoln Trucks using the 245/75R16 fitment, the supported rim width range is 6.5 to 8.0 inches on a 16-inch rim. The 255/75R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim, so the wheel diameter must match that size before any further setup decisions are made.
When replacing tires on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, verify both the wheel diameter and the wheel width before mounting. A correct diameter with an unsuitable wheel width can still create problems with fit, wear, or handling feel. If your SUV has aftermarket wheels, a direct measurement or wheel specification check is the safest route instead of assuming it mirrors the original factory package.
Do 1999 Lincoln Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The 245/75R16 product represented for 1999 Lincoln Trucks is a modern radial light-truck tire and does not indicate a tube-type marking. That points buyers toward a tubeless-style application on an appropriate wheel. Tube use should never be assumed from size alone, though, because the wheel condition and the specific tire's sidewall markings still matter.
On a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, the practical step is to inspect the wheel and read the sidewall on the exact tire being installed. If the truck still uses original late-1990s production wheels in sound condition, tubeless fitment is typically the direction these modern radial sizes follow. Any wheel corrosion, damage, or prior repair should be addressed before mounting, since air retention depends on the tire-and-wheel system working together.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1999 Lincoln Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator benefits from the same tire care principles that apply to other collector and hobby vehicles: keep it out of direct sunlight, away from electric motors and ozone sources, and off damp ground whenever possible. Clean, dry storage helps preserve the rubber and slows cosmetic weathering. Because these are radial tires, they generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but long stationary periods can still affect pressure retention and shape.
If the truck will sit for extended stretches, move it periodically or support it in a way that reduces constant loading on one contact patch. Check inflation during storage instead of letting the tires sit partially deflated. A 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator is a heavy SUV, so tire neglect during storage shows up faster than it might on a lighter collector car, especially if the vehicle spends months parked in one position.
How long do tires on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks typically last?
Tire age is usually a more important guide than mileage on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, especially if the SUV sees limited seasonal use. A sensible practice is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when the tire was made.
That matters because older tires can harden, crack, or lose reserve strength long before they wear out. A low-mile 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator can still be riding on tires that are too old for confident road use if appearance is the only thing being checked. Age, storage history, and sidewall condition should all weigh more heavily than tread depth alone when deciding whether to keep driving on an existing set.
How often should tires on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator should be checked before every drive and given a closer inspection before any longer highway trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between outings. Because the Navigator is a substantial vehicle, underinflation and unnoticed sidewall damage can affect stability and wear more quickly than many owners expect.
A longer pre-trip inspection should also include the spare, valve stems, and the condition of the wheel itself. If the truck has sat for a while, roll it forward and backward enough to examine the full circumference of each tire rather than only the visible section. Building that habit around a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator turns tire inspection into part of a broader old-vehicle readiness check instead of a last-minute glance.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1999 Lincoln Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
A 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator can be safely driven at highway speeds when the tires are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and used within their service rating. The 245/75R16 BFGoodrich application carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling under proper conditions. In real-world use, tire safety on a large luxury SUV depends just as much on age, inflation, suspension condition, and braking health as it does on the speed symbol itself.
For most owners, the practical question is not whether the tire's rating exceeds everyday highway speeds, but whether the entire vehicle is prepared for sustained travel. A 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator places meaningful load on its tires, so heat buildup from underinflation or age-related deterioration matters more than headline speed capability. Inspect the tires carefully, confirm the wheel-and-tire match, and make sure the truck's broader chassis systems are in sound condition before a longer highway run.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1999 Lincoln Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the original application and the tire manufacturer's rating for the specific replacement tire. The 245/75R16 BFGoodrich example carries a maximum load capacity of 3,042 pounds at 80 psi, but that figure is the tire's rated maximum, not an across-the-board instruction for everyday use on every Navigator. Pressure should always be matched to the vehicle requirement and the exact tire installed.
That distinction is important because using a tire's maximum sidewall pressure as a default setting can produce an undesirable ride and contact patch if the vehicle calls for something different. Start with the factory placard or owner's manual, then confirm that the tire's own specifications support that use. If your 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator has changed wheel sizes, load range, or tire type over time, revisit inflation as part of the overall setup instead of treating it as a one-number answer.
What should I check before taking a 1999 Lincoln Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven tread wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check the valve stems, verify that the spare is usable, and make sure the tire size on the truck matches the wheel diameter actually installed. On a heavy SUV, a tire that looks acceptable at a glance can still be a weak point if it is old, underinflated, or damaged on the inner sidewall.
A longer drive is also the right time to widen the check beyond the tires. Wheel condition, suspension wear, brakes, and alignment all influence how the tires behave once the trip begins. Treat tire inspection on a 1999 Lincoln Trucks Navigator as one part of a complete road-readiness routine, especially if the SUV spends much of its life parked and only comes out for occasional family cruising, road trips, or event use.