Hi guys,
I want to replace the original SS2 15×7 wheels on my '76 Cutlass 442 with 15×8 Cragars S/S. Anyone has Cragars on his 73-77 Cutlass? I need to know the clearances and the wheel size of backspace offset. I've seen 2.5', 6', and 13' backspace offset for Cragar on Summit racing and looking to order the new wheels. What backspace and wheel size do you suggest?
The desired tire size in the rear: 275/70/15
The desired tire size in the front: 235/70/15
I can't measure them because the rear end is separated from the car for restoration.

 

I have 15x8 Cragar Keystone Klassiks at rear with 255/60/15 tires ( Cooper "Crap" Cobra Radial's) on them.
BS is 3.875, and car is 76 Cutlass 442, too. Suspension is worn FE2, stock height.

Car sitting at level there would be more room on inside, and even a little bit of space outside of wheel-well. But at extreme suspension angles, those tires JUST clears the wheelwells, 0.1" more and my wheel-wells would shred my tirewalls. But- just at extreme leaning angle, with another side jacked up to sink another side to wheelwell. Personally i opted to not need to worry about them hitting anywhere versus getting that last inch of wheel-well filled.

Wheel-wells are uncutted, untouched.

Heres one pic to show how do they look at rear. Cragar Keystone Klassiks.

 

Great looking Keystones on the '76. Would it be much better if you use 2' spacers in the suspension springs? It raises the rear of the car, give more wheel well and fender clearances, and the car stance looks more aggressive.
Cragar S/S offers 2' and 6' backspacing. What do you suggest? 2 or 6?

 

Def wouldnt took that 2" BS since thats quaranteed to hit fender-lip at certain situations especially with the tire-size your planning. Just dont remember anymore is there that much space at inner side, +~2.1" BS compared to mine is alot + your tire is wider too.

My car is also at winter storage half-an-hour away so cant measure for a while.