wheel backspacing

Has anyone played with wheels and backspacing on these cars? Wondering what max backspacing might be on the original suspension up front with say a 17" or 18" wheel.

These cars can be difficult to fit wheels to depending on the style of wheel you want.  I prefer a traditional style wheel with neutral or negative offset so that the wheel has some depth.  That is the one of many reasons I started all the suspension mods on my car (Sebring 5000).  I just couldn't find any wheels that I liked that also fit.

Here is what I know about my car.

With 5/8" narrower controls arms I can just fit a 17 x 8 wheel on the front.  This is with 4 1/2" backspace.  The wheel lip is even with the outer edge of the fender flare at it's widest point and there is some clearance with the control arm at full lock. Your stock control arms would obviously need 5 1/8" of backspace for the same fit with an 8" wheel.  It appears that I will be able to use a 245 width tire.

If you don't mind a modern positive offset design wheel, this is no problem.  Most of the modern wheels I looked at have well over 5" of backspace.  Most are at or over 6".  These would require a spacer.

An 18" wheel might completely clear the upper control arm and eliminate interference issues.  I don't know if the longer Wilwood spindles you talked about would cause issues here.

My rear suspension is so altered from normal Sebrings that my info probably won't help you much.  I was able to fit a 17 x 9 wheel with 5 1/2" of back space.  This is with a narrowed rearend that is about 54" overall.  I am leaning toward a 275 width tire, but this will most likely require mini-tubs behind the seats.

One suggestion up front. I you don't mind a manual steering rack, you could move the control arm pivots in (say 1" on each side). This would give you plenty of clearance while keeping the longer control arm. The manual rack doesn't look too difficult to narrow if you can thread on a lathe.

Thanks for all the info there, it does somewhat help. While I like the deep dish look, I dont mind some of the modern wheels either with the offset. Probably much will change with the new A arms I am buying and those Wilwood spindles. Bet yes, I am also looking at 18" wheels, and I too may mini-tub.

Guess I should either buy or make one of those wheel fitment tools.