What size tires will fit on a 1998 Ford Ranger?

The 1998 Ford Ranger, typically equipped with 14- or 15-inch wheels, can accommodate several tire sizes depending on the trim and whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD. Common factory sizes include 14-inch and 15-inch options, but you should always verify the exact size on the door placard or in the owner's manual. This guide provides a practical overview of fitment and upgrade considerations.

Stock sizes by wheel diameter

These sizes reflect typical factory-installed tires for Rangers with 14- or 15-inch wheels. Verify the exact specification on your vehicle's placard and cross-check with your wheels.

• 14-inch wheels: 195/70R14, 205/70R14, 215/70R14, 225/70R14


• 15-inch wheels: 205/75R15, 215/75R15, 225/75R15, 235/75R15

Sticking to sizes close to the stock diameter helps maintain accurate speedometer readings, fuel economy, and gearing behavior. If you’re unsure of your exact tire size, start with the placard on the door jamb or consult the owner's manual.

Upgrading: larger tires and clearance considerations

If you’re considering larger tires than stock, here are general guidelines to keep in mind. The Ranger can accommodate modest upsizes, but clearance, ride height, and handling can be affected.

• Diameter and width: Avoid increasing the overall diameter by more than about 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) over stock to minimize speedometer error and gearing changes. Wider tires may rub on lower control arms or fenders without adjustments.


• Wheel compatibility: Ensure you use wheels that fit the Ranger’s lug pattern (5x4.5 inches) and have appropriate offset to maintain proper clearance.


• Suspension and clearance: On stock suspension, larger tires may rub during full steering lock or compression; 4x4 models or trucks with leveling kits may have more room for upsizing.


• Load rating: Choose tires with a suitable load index for truck use; common upsize choices include 205/75R15 or 235/75R15 paired with appropriate load ratings.

Note: Upsizing can affect speedometer accuracy, braking performance, and fuel economy. If you go beyond stock dimensions, consider alignment checks and potential suspension or drivetrain adjustments; consult a tire and alignment professional for a precise fit.

Practical steps to determine the exact fit

To ensure you select tires that truly fit your specific Ranger, follow these steps:

• Check the door jamb placard for the exact tire size and load rating listed by Ford for your trim.


• Measure your current tire diameter and width and compare with the proposed upsized tires to estimate clearance.


• Confirm wheel size, bolt pattern, and offset of any aftermarket rims you plan to use.


• Test fit and perform a professional alignment after any tire size changes.

Following these steps helps prevent rubbing, ensures proper steering response, and maintains acceptable handling characteristics.

Summary

For a 1998 Ford Ranger, common factory tire sizes range from 195/70R14 to 225/70R14 on 14-inch wheels, and 205/75R15 to 235/75R15 on 15-inch wheels. Always verify the exact size on the vehicle’s placard and consider upsize limits based on clearance and suspension. If you upgrade to larger tires, stay mindful of diameter, width, load rating, and alignment to preserve safe handling and accuracy of the speedometer.

How much is a 1998 Ford Ranger worth?

The value of a 1998 Ford Ranger varies significantly, but estimates for a SuperCab with average condition are around $1,064 for a private sale and $1,193 for dealer retail, according to Edmunds. Factors like trim, mileage, condition, and location will cause the price to fluctuate, with resale values from other sources ranging from approximately $3,000 for the SuperCab to a wider range of $4,300 to $6,595 for various models, notes Cars.com and TrueCar. 
Estimated values by condition

• Private Party:
  • Outstanding: ~$1,270
  • Clean: ~$1,193
  • Average: ~$1,064
  • Rough: ~$897
• Dealer Retail:
  • Outstanding: ~$1,252
  • Clean: ~$1,176
  • Average: ~$1,049
  • Rough: ~$885 

Other factors affecting value

• Trim level: Specific models like the XL, XLT, or Splash will have different values, with a Splash Short Bed having a slightly higher KBB Fair Purchase Price of around $4,305 compared to the Regular Cab Short Bed's $3,787, notes Kelley Blue Book. 
• Mileage: A 1998 Ranger with higher mileage will be worth less, while a lower mileage example (like the 104,000 miles in one YouTube video example) can be worth more. 
• Condition: The truck's overall condition, including its mechanical and cosmetic state, is a major factor. 
• Market demand: Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. 

How big of a tire can I put on a Ford Ranger?

2022-2025 Ford Ranger (V P703)
The fifth and current generation Ranger from 2022-2025 utilizes tire sizes from 16 inches up to 20 inches, depending on trim level. There are no major changes compared to the prior generation, however the option for a 21 inch tire was removed.

What size tires fit a 1998 Ford Ranger?

The 1998 Ford Ranger tire size varies depending on the trim level, but common sizes include P205/75R14, P215/75R15, and P235/60R15. To confirm the correct size for your specific truck, check the tire placard on the driver's side door jamb or the sidewall of your current tires.
 
Common 1998 Ford Ranger tire sizes by trim

• EV 2-wheel drive: P215/75R14 or P205/75R14
• Splash 2-wheel drive: P235/60R15 or P235/75R15
• XL 2-wheel drive: P205/75R14 or P215/75R14
• XL 4-wheel drive: P215/75R15
• XLT 2-wheel drive: P205/75R14 or P215/75R14
• XLT 4-wheel drive: P215/75R15 

How to find your specific tire size

• Check the door jamb: Look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb that lists the original equipment (OE) tire size for your vehicle.
• Read the tire sidewall: The size is also printed on the side of your current tires. 

Will a 265 75r16 fit a Ford Ranger?

Yes, 265/75R16 tires will fit a Ford Ranger, but they may rub against the fender liner or suspension at full steering lock, especially on stock suspension. To prevent rubbing, minor modifications like trimming the liner or installing a leveling kit are often recommended, though many owners report they fit with minimal issues on certain models. 
What to expect

• Minor rubbing: On many stock Rangers, these tires will fit but may rub slightly on the plastic fender liner when the wheel is turned all the way. 
• Clearance: There is often around a half-inch of clearance at full lock, but this can vary. 
• Potential for more rubbing: Rubbing can be more pronounced when the wheel is turned in reverse, and may cause more issues on certain 4x4 models or with aftermarket suspensions. 
• Minor modifications may be needed: To prevent rubbing, a small amount of trimming of the fender liner or ziptieing it out of the way is often enough. A leveling kit can also provide more clearance. 

Important considerations

• Check your specific model: The fit can depend on the year and suspension of your particular Ranger.
• Measure before buying: Compare the dimensions of the new tires to your current ones to ensure there is adequate clearance.
• Speedometer accuracy: Be aware that upsizing tires can affect speedometer accuracy. You may need to recalibrate it after changing sizes.