Wide wheel backspacing guidelines

[derf]

Ok, I'm spitballing some ideas in my head and I have a question regarding optimal wheel backspacing.

Assume for the sake of argument that I have the axle width and wheel well clearance to handle anything I want to do. That is to say, no matter what size wheel or tire it won't rub on the frame, springs or body even under full articulation. What is the optimal setup for wheel backspacking for really wide wheels? (like 15x10 or 15x12) Do I want to have a lot of backspacing, a little bit or should I try to center it within the wheel?

[RustyJeep]

The wheels that came on my Jeep are 15x10s with 2.75" of backspacing. That seems like an awful lot sticking out, but it looks sweet. It was needed to clear the 3/4 ton running gear.

[derf]

For me, the clearance issue isn't going to be as specific. Since I'm planning a custom rig with expensive heavy duty axles, I'll be able to play with the width of those axles all I want. In the end, the tires will end up in a fixed location, I just want to know about how wide the axles should be in relation to the placement of the tires. The real meat of the question I have is: Is it better to have wider axles and more backspacing or narower axles with less?

[RustyJeep]

Hmm...mine are wider axles than stock (Dodge axles) with wheels with small amount of backspacing. Haven't found a problem with this yet(no rubbing). And it has a sweet stance, too. So far they have handle all the stress I have thrown at them, too.

[ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: RustyJeep ]</p>

[derf]

One limiting factor just occurred to me. If you have too much backspacing on the rim of a front axle, you will reduce your ability to turn the wheel very far, especially if the backspacing causes the rim to go past the steering knuckle. Also, the tire would turn into any leaf springs or control arms sooner if you had more backspacing. So at least the turning axles need to minimize backspacing to allow better turning radius. But what about rear axles? (assuming you're not doing rear steering)