2004 Lincoln Trucks reflected Lincoln’s push into premium SUVs, blending traditional American luxury cues with the higher ride height and road presence buyers wanted in the early 2000s. In that year, the make’s truck range centered on the midsize Aviator and the full-size Navigator, two vehicles that served different roles and therefore did not share a single tire size strategy. Across these two models, three radial sizes appear, with the Aviator using one 17-inch fitment and the Navigator using two 18-inch fitments. Before choosing a tire for a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle, the first step is confirming whether you have an Aviator or a Navigator, since model identification determines the correct size family.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2004 Lincoln Trucks
Three tire sizes are used across 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision is confirming the correct model first, because the Aviator uses a 17-inch size while the Navigator uses 18-inch sizes. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): Aviator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
245/65R17 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator, and it is available from BFGoodrich with an RWL sidewall and an S speed rating, which carries a 112 mph ceiling. It suits an owner who wants the correct model-specific metric radial size with a more truck-oriented tread character than a traditional touring tire.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
255/70R18 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2004 Lincoln Trucks Navigator rather than universal across the year and make. It is the size to confirm against the actual vehicle and wheel before moving forward, especially on a full-size SUV where different wheel packages can change the correct fitment.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
275/65R18 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This Navigator-specific size is available from BFGoodrich with an RWL sidewall and an R speed rating, which carries a 106 mph ceiling. It fits buyers who have confirmed the wider 18-inch Navigator application and want a substantial SUV and light-truck style radial in the correct size family.
Two models are covered for 2004 Lincoln Trucks: the Aviator and the Navigator. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the model matters before choosing a tire, especially since the rim diameter changes from one model line to the other. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and products.
2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator
The 2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator was Lincoln’s midsize luxury SUV, aimed at buyers who wanted premium appointments in a more manageable package than the brand’s larger utility vehicles. Its tire fitment mounts on a 17-inch wheel, which sets it apart from the larger Navigator and makes model confirmation especially important.
The 2004 Lincoln Trucks Navigator was Lincoln’s flagship full-size SUV, known for its larger proportions, upscale trim, and strong road presence in the premium truck market of the period. Its tire options mount on 18-inch wheels, and that larger wheel diameter separates it clearly from the Aviator.
Two products are available across three tire sizes for 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles. The 245/65R17 uses BFGoodrich radial construction with an RWL sidewall, and the 275/65R18 also uses BFGoodrich radial construction with an RWL sidewall. Confirm your model and exact size before selecting.
These questions cover how 2004 Lincoln Trucks tire sizing changes between the Aviator and Navigator, what the metric radial sizes mean, and what to check for fitment, road use, and long-term care on a premium SUV that may see limited seasonal mileage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles use three tire sizes across two models. The Aviator uses 245/65R17 on a 17-inch rim, while the Navigator uses 255/70R18 or 275/65R18 on an 18-inch rim. Rim width guidance is available for 245/65R17 at 7.0 to 8.0 inches and for 275/65R18 at 7.5 to 9.5 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice on 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles. Start by confirming whether you own an Aviator or a Navigator, then verify the exact size on the sidewall of the tires already on the vehicle or against the wheel package on the SUV. Once the model and size are confirmed, choosing among available products becomes much more straightforward.
What does 245/65R17 mean on a 2004 Lincoln Trucks tire?
On a 2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator, 245/65R17 is a metric radial size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. In available form, this size carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling.
That decoding helps you separate three different things that matter when replacing tires: width, profile, and wheel diameter. A 245/65R17 tire is not interchangeable with the Navigator’s 18-inch sizes simply because they are all modern radial formats. Matching the full code matters, especially on a luxury SUV where ride quality, clearance, and wheel compatibility are tied closely to the exact size.
Do all 2004 Lincoln Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 2004 Lincoln Trucks models do not use the same tire size. The Aviator uses 245/65R17, while the Navigator uses either 255/70R18 or 275/65R18. The split is not just a difference in width or profile; it also involves a different rim diameter between the two model lines.
That is why model identification should come before brand or tread-pattern selection on 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles. If you have a Navigator, checking which of the two 18-inch sizes is on the vehicle is the next step, since full-size SUVs from this era could vary by wheel package. If you have an Aviator, the path is simpler because the fitment family stays with the single 17-inch size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires?
2004 Lincoln Trucks products in the currently covered sizes use an RWL, or raised white letter, sidewall style. That applies to the available 245/65R17 for the Aviator and the available 275/65R18 for the Navigator. RWL sidewalls give these tires a more assertive SUV and light-truck appearance than a plain blackwall would.
For a buyer, sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision once the correct size has been confirmed. A raised white letter look tends to suit an early-2000s sport-utility with a more rugged visual theme, while some owners may prefer to mount the white letters inward for a more understated presentation if the tire design allows it. Confirm the exact sidewall marking on the specific product before making that choice.
What brands make tires for 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
BFGoodrich covers the available 245/65R17 and 275/65R18 applications for 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles through the All-Terrain T/A KO2 line. Both are radial tires with an RWL sidewall, and both sizes are aimed at SUV or light-truck use rather than a vintage bias-ply application. That keeps the fitment approach firmly in the modern metric-radial world appropriate to a 2004 luxury SUV.
Brand choice matters because it often shapes tread character, sidewall appearance, and how truck-oriented the tire feels in everyday use. On 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicles, the available BFGoodrich fitments lean toward a sturdy, all-terrain visual and functional profile. If your priority is preserving the intended road manners of a luxury SUV, it is worth comparing the tire’s character with how you actually use the Aviator or Navigator.
What is the difference between the available BFGoodrich fitments for 2004 Lincoln Trucks?
The available BFGoodrich fitments for 2004 Lincoln Trucks differ mainly by size, wheel diameter, load capability, and speed rating. The 245/65R17 for the Aviator carries 2,405 pounds at 65 psi, uses a 7.0-to-8.0-inch rim width range, weighs 44 pounds, and has an S speed rating. The 275/65R18 for the Navigator carries 3,415 pounds at 80 psi, uses a 7.5-to-9.5-inch rim width range, weighs 57 pounds, and has an R speed rating.
Those differences reflect the roles of the vehicles rather than one tire being universally preferable. The Navigator’s larger, heavier-duty fitment supports the needs of a full-size SUV on an 18-inch wheel, while the Aviator’s 17-inch size stays within a lighter range. Matching the tire to the correct model and wheel is far more important than comparing the numbers across platforms.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires require?
Rim width guidance for 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires depends on the size. The 245/65R17 used on the Aviator fits a 7.0-to-8.0-inch rim width range, while the 275/65R18 used on the Navigator fits a 7.5-to-9.5-inch rim width range. Both sizes mount on their respective stated wheel diameters, 17 inches for the Aviator size and 18 inches for the wider Navigator size.
Rim width matters because it affects how the tire sits on the wheel, which in turn influences section shape, clearance, and overall stance. If your 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle has aftermarket wheels, verify both the wheel diameter and wheel width before selecting a tire. Staying within the tire maker’s approved rim-width range is an important part of a proper setup.
Do 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The covered 2004 Lincoln Trucks sizes are modern radial applications, and no tube-type marking appears on the available products for 245/65R17 or 275/65R18. That points toward tubeless-style fitments typical of early-2000s SUVs with modern one-piece wheels. Tube use is not part of the normal replacement path for these applications unless a wheel condition or specialty setup calls for something different.
The practical step is to inspect the wheel as carefully as the tire. A sound tubeless wheel needs a clean bead seat, a good valve stem, and no corrosion or damage that could compromise sealing. If your 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle has replacement wheels or has spent years in storage, having the wheel condition checked before mounting new tires is worthwhile.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2004 Lincoln Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 2004 Lincoln Trucks SUV should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the tires clean and properly inflated, and avoid leaving the vehicle on damp ground for long periods. Even modern radial tires benefit from a stable, dry environment with minimal temperature swings.
If the vehicle sits for extended periods, move it occasionally to change the contact patch or support it in a way that reduces constant loading on one section of the tire. That helps preserve ride quality and reduces the chance of temporary flat-spotting. A storage routine like this is especially useful for low-mileage Aviators and Navigators that spend more time parked than driven.
How long do tires on a 2004 Lincoln Trucks typically last?
On a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle, tire age matters at least as much as tread depth. Collector and low-use SUVs often reach an age-related replacement point before they wear out, so many owners use five to seven years as a serious inspection window and treat around ten years as a practical upper limit for continued service consideration. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the key reference for age.
That timeline should be adjusted by how the SUV is stored, how often it is driven, and whether it has seen heat, sun, or long idle periods. A Navigator or Aviator that looks fine cosmetically can still have age-hardened rubber or internal fatigue. If the tires are several years old, an inspection by a trusted tire professional is a sensible step before relying on them for regular road use.
How often should tires on a 2004 Lincoln Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle should be checked before every drive and more carefully before any longer highway outing. Look for cracking, weathering, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are still in good condition. Full-size and midsize SUVs can mask tire issues until speed or load brings them to the surface, so quick visual checks matter.
A more thorough inspection every few months is a good practice even if the vehicle is driven sparingly. That should include checking tread depth across the tire, examining the inner sidewall where possible, and verifying that pressures remain consistent. Regular inspections help catch age-related issues early and preserve the secure, composed road feel expected from a well-kept Lincoln SUV.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator?
A 2004 Lincoln Trucks Aviator would have been fitted from new with modern radial tires in a metric size format, not a vintage numeric or bias-ply design. The size family used here is 245/65R17, which matches the era’s standard approach for premium SUVs built around contemporary wheel diameters, modern suspension tuning, and everyday highway use. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and package, so the important point is the correct size and radial construction type.
For a factory-faithful restoration or preservation effort, staying with the correct metric radial size and the proper overall visual character matters more than chasing an exact brand without vehicle-specific evidence. Window stickers, owner literature, and marque-focused Lincoln communities can help confirm what a particular Aviator carried when new. That is especially useful if the SUV has changed wheels during its life.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2004 Lincoln Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle is prepared for judging, even though the era is much newer than a traditional concours classic. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the vehicle carries the proper size family, radial construction, and an appearance that suits the period. A visibly incorrect wheel diameter or an obviously mismatched size can distract from an otherwise well-presented SUV.
For a show-focused Aviator or Navigator, the safest approach is to confirm the model, wheel diameter, and original-style size before making aesthetic decisions about sidewall presentation. Event standards vary, especially for modern collectible SUVs, so local judging rules and Lincoln enthusiast groups are worth consulting. Getting the tire stance and visual proportion right often has as much impact as the brand name on the sidewall.
What is the difference between 245/65R17 and 275/65R18 for a 2004 Lincoln Trucks?
For a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle, 245/65R17 and 275/65R18 are not alternative sizes for the same model. The 245/65R17 belongs to the Aviator and mounts on a 17-inch wheel, while the 275/65R18 belongs to a Navigator application and mounts on an 18-inch wheel. They also differ in width, load capacity, rim-width range, and speed rating, so they represent separate fitment paths rather than a cosmetic substitution.
From an authenticity standpoint, using the right size for the right model preserves the vehicle’s intended proportions and avoids a wheel-and-tire look that appears off to informed eyes. A full-size Navigator naturally carries a larger visual footprint than an Aviator, and the tires reflect that difference. Matching the model-correct size is one of the easiest ways to keep the SUV looking properly sorted.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
2004 Lincoln Trucks tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is installed, the tires are in sound condition, and their speed rating is respected. The available 245/65R17 carries an S rating, or 112 mph, and the available 275/65R18 carries an R rating, or 106 mph. Those limits are comfortably above normal U.S. highway speeds, assuming the tire is properly inflated and not aged out.
Real-world safety on a 2004 Lincoln Trucks SUV depends just as much on condition and vehicle health as on the speed symbol itself. Suspension wear, brake condition, alignment, and the added weight of a luxury SUV all influence stability and stopping. Before regular highway use, make sure the tires are age-appropriate, evenly worn, and matched to the correct model and wheel diameter.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on 2004 Lincoln Trucks tires should be set with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation as the starting point, then checked against the tire’s own maximum load-and-pressure marking rather than substituting one size’s numbers for another. The available 245/65R17 tire is rated at 2,405 pounds at 65 psi, while the available 275/65R18 tire is rated at 3,415 pounds at 80 psi. Those figures describe the tire’s maximum rated load capacity at its stated pressure, not necessarily the everyday operating pressure for the SUV.
The practical rule is to use the door-jamb or owner’s-manual recommendation for your exact Aviator or Navigator setup unless the tire maker directs otherwise for that product category. Checking pressure cold, before driving, gives the most useful reading. Running pressures that are too low or too high can affect ride, wear, and handling long before the tire reaches its maximum rated capability.
What should I check before taking a 2004 Lincoln Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2004 Lincoln Trucks vehicle, inspect each tire for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, and uneven tread wear, and verify that all four tires are inflated correctly when cold. Make sure the valve stems are sound, the spare is usable, and the tread is free of damage from long parking periods or curb contact. A quick walk-around can catch many problems before they become roadside issues.
A longer trip is also a good reason to look beyond the tires themselves. A 2004 luxury SUV benefits from a broader pre-drive check that includes brakes, suspension behavior, steering feel, fluid levels, and battery condition, especially if it has been sitting. Tires are the foundation of that inspection because they carry the vehicle’s weight, manage heat, and directly affect stability at speed.
