Wheel Backspace Question?

[70sixpkrt]

I have a set of Magnum 500 15x8 rims with a backspace of 4.5" and running BGF 295/50/15 tires. I have to use 5/16" spacer so the tire won't hit the inner wheel well. Basically moves the tire closer to the wheel lip molding. I might have a line on some 15x10 Magnum 500 with a backspace of 5.5". Will this backspace work?

[mikepmcs]

Mine are the new AMRacing Vector ARE-47 and they are 15x8.5, 5.0" backspace and I have the same tires (295's) stuffed under there.  No spacer.  There is a slight rub every now and then when I turn a steep corner uphill, it's weird cause I can't ever find out where and there is no rub marks on the inner well or the leafs. 

I'm thinking it will be close just doing some basic 1+1 math in my head. Man I don't know now as i'm sitting here thinking about it. But i'm interested in what others will say.


v/r
Mike

[blue69]

They should fit pretty much the same, if not a little better (due to less bulge) than what you have now. A 8" wheel with 4.5" backspacing will put the center of the wheel in the same place as a 10" wheel with 5.5" of backspacing. If you want to move the tire closer to the wheel trim you should try 5" of backspacing on a 10" wheel.

[poppa]

I'm not a wheel guy but,if your going to add an inch of back spacing(towards center of car) wouldn't you now need to add an inch of spacers??Your talking about it hitting inside ,towards the center(frame) of the car,correct???

[70sixpkrt]

Without the spacer, the sidewall of the tire hits the inner wheel well. I have enough clearance from the sidewall to the leaf spring.

[chargerboy69]

I just ordered a set of wheels last week with a 5.5" backspace in the rear. I have been told by very smart people on here that you want the 5.5" backspace on a 10" wheel.

[BrianShaughnessy]

I just ordered a set of wheels last week with a 5.5" backspace in the rear. I have been told by very smart people on here that you want the 5.5" backspace on a 10" wheel.

I've been running 295's with 15x10 - 5" backspace for years and telling people 5" backspace for years till I'm tired of saying it. 

In general,  the rear is not very well centered on our cars and clearances can vary from side to side.   It's probably a good bet that there's about 1/2" less clearance to the outside (wheel well lip) on the drivers side - this means that the passenger side is about 1/2" closer to the spring and inside wheel well.