safest backspace?

[2772]

What's the safest backspace for at least the front wheels. Thinking about 15x8 wheels with

3 inch backspace. Is there a such thing as too little backspace?
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[68bowtie]

that's a tough one to know without more info because it depends on the tire dims, ride height, spindle position, alignment, etc.

yes, there is a point at which the bs is too small and you will rub going through a dip while turning and possibly shred a tire.

[TBONE1964]

3 in is not bad. Most steel 8 inch factory rims have a 4 inch back space. 7 inch backspace would not be good

If you can picture the space in between the inner and outer wheel bearing and draw a line. That line is your optimum load space and it is why factory rims have the offset they have. It is a spot that will insure the longest bearing life and where all of the load of a wheel end is placed.

Now imagine what happens to that load center when you use a wheel with a large amount of offset like 6 inches. It moves that load center away from the center of the bearings and will decrease wheel bearing life dramatically.

So when you say safest, there are some factors involved in your question.

[lolife99]

4"-4.25" is the max backspace on a 15" wheel.
Add drop spindles and you will be grinding the lower a-arm for clearance.

Larger diameter wheels will accept more backspacing.

[robzilla]

i'm looking at some 15" torques with 3 3/4 back spacing. from my reading, a stock stance, or a little drop via springs will be fine. but i install drop spindles these rims will cause clearance issues?

[J kippin]

I am running a 4.5 offset on a 15x8 in the front with a 5.0 offset 15x10 in the rear. My truck is lowered 4/3 and yes I did have to do a little grinding. Just a minor bit on the upper control arm to clearance for wheel weights.

[rsavage]

A three inch back space will work for drum brakes but it will not work for disc brakes. You will need a 4" back space for caliper clearance.