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Would an 8", 15" wheel, with 4.5" of back spacing, cause load issues with either spindles or bearings, front or rear?
Not concerned with the brake cable interference on this question. Although, would be interested on any other clearance issues, front or rear, that might pop up. Tires would be 245 or 255 60 15s.
I'm sure you know 4" is the perfered backspace but I agree with the previous post and think you should be fine. Though you may want to experiment between the 245s and 255s to see what fits and looks better if that's possible.
I used 4.5 bs 15X9 centerlines for about 100,000 miles.
More BS is actually easier on bearing loading. When you have 4.5 the rear is fine the front you have to worry about tire diameter because lock to lock can touch the frame
4.5 Will work fine on the rear but you will rub in the front when the wheel is turned to full lock. a 1/4" spacer on the front solves the problem and still allows enough thread engagement on the studs for safe wheel mounting. There are extended shank lug nuts available that allow more thread engagement with spacers.
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I'm sure you can do the math, but Captain Obvious won't leave me alone until I point out that using 8" rims with 4.5" BS instead of 4" BS on a C3 will reduce your track width by 1" and set your tires/wheels further within the fenders by 1/2".