What size tires are on a 1968 Ford Ranchero?
In short, the tire sizes you’ll typically see on a 1968 Ford Ranchero depend on the wheel size the car was built with. Most early Rancheros used 13-inch wheels with 6.50-13 tires, while many later-issue or restored examples ride on 14-inch wheels with around P205/75R14 tires. The exact size is determined by the factory option package, so the definitive size is on the vehicle’s placard or build sheet.
The Ranchero of 1968 rode on Ford’s mid‑size platform and offered a few wheel/tire configurations as options. The precise tire size can vary by trim and whether the car still wears its original wheels or has been updated in restoration. For collectors and restorers, matching the original equipment tire size or selecting an authoritative equivalent is important for authenticity and proper clearance.
Stock tire sizes by wheel diameter
Below are the sizes most commonly seen on original equipment Rancheros from 1968, organized by wheel diameter. If your Ranchero has aftermarket wheels or a restoration with different wheels, the size may differ.
- 13-inch wheels: 6.50-13 bias-ply tires (some cars used 6.70-13 in certain production runs). These were typical for several 1960s Ford mid‑size models, including early Rancheros.
- 14-inch wheels: P205/75R14 tires (some owners report variations such as P215/75R14; always verify with the door placard or build sheet).
In practice, many 1968 Rancheros seen today wear 14-inch wheels with a P205/75R14 size, especially those that have been updated or restored with contemporary radial tires while preserving the original wheel diameter.
How to confirm your exact tire size today
To ensure you install the correct tires for a 1968 Ranchero, verify the exact size from reliable sources on the vehicle and its records. The steps below help you identify the original specifications and any updates that may have occurred over time.
- Look for the tire size printed on the tire sidewall (e.g., P205/75R14) and compare it to the vehicle’s placard to see if it matches the factory spec.
- Check the door placard on the driver's side jamb or the glove box for the official "TIRE SIZE" and "COLD INFLATION" values specific to your car.
- Consult the owner’s manual or dealer brochure for the original equipment tire sizes associated with your Ranchero’s trim and wheel option.
- Examine the build sheet or window sticker (if available) or a Marti report for documentation of the original wheel/tire configuration.
- When in doubt, consult a classic Ford specialist or a trusted reference that matches year/model with wheel and tire specifications.
Having the exact original tire size verified helps ensure proper clearance, accurate ride quality, and authenticity for restoration projects.
Summary
The 1968 Ford Ranchero commonly used 13-inch wheels with 6.50-13 tires or 14-inch wheels with around P205/75R14, depending on the factory option and wheel package. To know the precise size for a particular car, check the door placard, owner’s manual, build sheet, or window sticker. When restoring or replacing tires, use the original size as a baseline and consider manufacturer-recommended equivalents if you upgrade to radial tires while maintaining authentic dimensions.
