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What size tires are on a 1997 Chevy Suburban 1500?

There isn’t a single fixed tire size for all 1997 Suburban 1500s—the factory size depended on wheel package and trim.


Most Suburban 1500s from that era rolled on 15-inch wheels with 235/75R15 or 255/75R15 tires, while a number of models equipped with 16-inch wheels used 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 tires. Variants and prior tire replacements can differ, so the exact size on a given vehicle may vary.


Common factory tire sizes by wheel package


15-inch wheels


On base and mid-level trim Suburbans that rode on 15-inch wheels, the most frequently installed tires were:



  • P235/75R15

  • P255/75R15


These sizes provided a balance of ride comfort, load capacity, and common availability for that era.


16-inch wheels


Suburban 1500s with optional or upgraded 16-inch wheels typically used these tires:



  • P245/75R16

  • P265/70R16


16-inch tire options offered more load capacity and improved handling characteristics for the larger wheel diameter.


How to verify your exact tire size


To confirm the precise size currently installed on your Suburban, use these steps:



  • Check the door jamb placard on the driver’s side; it lists the original tire size as well as the recommended cold inflation pressure.

  • Inspect the sidewall of the current tires for the size code (e.g., P235/75R15).

  • Refer to the owner’s manual or the original build sheet for the factory specification.

  • If tires have been replaced by a previous owner, the current size may differ; use the above methods to verify the present tires and ensure replacements match load/speed ratings and vehicle requirements.


When replacing tires, consider load rating, speed rating, and the overall diameter to maintain accurate speedometer readings and vehicle performance.


Summary


In short, a 1997 Chevy Suburban 1500 did not have a single tire size. The most common configurations were 235/75R15 or 255/75R15 on 15-inch wheels, and 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 on 16-inch wheels. Verify the exact size on your own vehicle via the door placard or the sidewall, and always match tires to the vehicle’s load and speed ratings for the best performance and safety.

What size tires are on a 1997 Chevy Suburban?


The 1997 Chevy Suburban's tire size depends on the specific model, with common sizes being P235/75R15 for the C1500 and LT245/75R16 for the K1500 and K2500. Always check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or the tire sidewall itself to confirm the exact original equipment (OE) size for your vehicle. 

  • C1500: The most common original tire size is P235/75R15. 
  • K1500: The standard and most common OE tire size is LT245/75R16. 
  • K2500: The standard OE tire size is LT245/75R16. 

To find your specific tire size: 
  • Look for a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door jamb.
  • Check the sidewall of the tire currently on the vehicle.



What size tires are on a stock Suburban?


The Chevy Suburban has several stock tire sizes, including 265/65R18 tires, 275/55R20 tires and 285/45R22 tires. We're stocked up with every Chevy Suburban tire size from all the best tire manufacturers, including Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, Nitto, Toyo, Pirelli and Continental.



What size tires are on a 1997 Chevy 1500?


The 1997 Chevy 1500 has several common tire sizes, with the most frequent being 235/75R15 for the 2WD models and LT245/75R16 or P245/75R16 for the 4WD models. Some models may have also used 265/75R16 or even 235/75R15 for the Suburban. To confirm the exact size for your vehicle, check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or the sidewall of your current tires. 
Common tire sizes for 1997 Chevy 1500 models

  • 2WD models: 235/75R15
  • 4WD models: LT245/75R16 or P245/75R16
  • Other possible sizes: 265/75R16 or 235/75R15 

How to confirm your tire size
  • Look at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb: This sticker provides the original equipment tire size and air pressure recommendations for your vehicle. 
  • Check the sidewall of your current tires: The tire size is printed on the side of the tire itself. 



How much is a 1997 Chevy 1500 worth?


A 1997 Chevy 1500's value depends heavily on its condition, mileage, and specific features, but general ranges are approximately $1,000 to $4,000 for a truck in average to rough condition, while exceptionally well-maintained or low-mileage examples can sell for much more, potentially in the $5,000 to $25,000+ range. For an exact estimate, use online valuation tools like those from Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book, which take into account your truck's specific details.
 
Factors that affect value

  • Condition: Trucks in "outstanding" to "clean" condition are worth more than those in "average" or "rough" condition. 
  • Mileage: Lower mileage generally means a higher value. 
  • Trim and options: Models like the Silverado are often worth more than a base model, and features like a V8 engine or 4x4 can increase the price. 
  • Location: Prices can vary depending on where the truck is being sold. 
  • Market trends: For rare or exceptional examples, auction prices can be much higher, while the lowest prices are for trucks needing significant repairs. 

Price estimates by condition
  • Rough: Around $897 to $954 or even lower. 
  • Average: Roughly $1,087 to $1,155. 
  • Clean: Around $1,233 to $1,310. 
  • Outstanding: Up to $1,320 or more. 
  • Higher-End/Rare: Can reach $5,000 to $25,000+ for exceptionally well-maintained or low-mileage examples. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.