I am comparing two different wheels:

17x8.5 with 4.25" Backspacing
17x9 with 4.5" Backspacing

Tire will be a 35x12.50 with 10" tread width.

It appears both will put the tire at the same placement since the backspacing is exactly the middle of the wheel unless I am calculating wrong.

Which would be less likely to rub and why?

Which would be better for going on up to 37's and working with most the most lifts?

Thanks
Mallow

 

Any insight or will they both have the same chance of rubbing?

 

I think it would be a moot point as they would be the same. It's possible that the skinnier wheel would work better for airing down since the tire would squeezed more tightly on it (think "poor man's beadlock", though I don't know the real difference in a half inch increase.

I'd be tempted to go with a wheel that's 4.00 backspace or more (smaller number) for suspension clearance concerns since all the ones I've looked at say minimum 4.5 backspace. I just like as much buffer as I can get, without looking ridiculous. I'm looking to get some beadlock wheels with a 3.5 backspace (17 x 9.5).

 

Yeah I am trying to keep it under the fenders unfortunately due to the state inspections. I looked at the Racelines 17x9.5 4" backspacing but after seeing some pictures there is no way. Also looked at the Hutchinson (4.63" bs) but they can't run 37's without rubbing issues or spacers required very well on most lifts. It is hard to balance fitting the tread under the fender and not rubbing.