Thread: wheel backset

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I'm a little confused on wheel backset. I'm working on a 71 Nova and am looking to putting Cragar SS on it. Looking in Classic Industries Nova catalog a large majority of the wheels are 3 3/4 backset. I purchased a set of 15x8 with a 2" backset off of E Bay. If 3 3/4 is what the car calls for, and I'm not sure that is the case, what will a 2" backset do and will I be able to use these wheels?

It will set your rims (tires) 1 3/4" out further toward the quarter panels. Make sure you will have enough tire clearance. If you already have the Ebay wheels, see how they fit. Even if you only have the rims w/no tires, you can still bolt them up and eyeball 'em to get an idea how they will fit.

pro70z was correct in that a rim with 1 3/4" backspacing will push the outside of your rim closer to your fender. If you have 5" back spacing that will suck your rim back under your vehicle closer to your inner fender wall. Usually the more back spacing you have can possibly lead to clearance issues with your rims and brakes depending on the design of your rims.