the rims i was looking at are 15x8 and have two choices for backspacing: 4-1/2" or 3-3/4", which one would be better if i wanted to put 255/60/15s on fronts and rears?

 

tape a string to the inside fenderwell and tape a string to the outside fenderwell.make the string is long enough that it hangs down past the brake drum.measure from the brake drum(where the rim sets) to the string,this will give you a good idea of the space available.remember to allow a couple of inches for the tiresidewall as it sticks out further than the rim.

 

hey 74454bb,i can send you a picture in your e-mail.i cant remember how to put a picture on this site.look in my post ,under my name and click on the camera.this is a big block car(454).i put these pictures on here awhile back,before i finished it,so they dont show pictures of the rims and tires.

 

you're not going to fit them on the front but 4 1/2 is better on the rear and listen to uncle bill about spacers. you can make anything happen, most of the time, but it doesn't mean it's right or safe

 

It may just be the 74 model,but a 4 1/2 back space rim with a 255 tire won't work on my car. I have a 235 with 4" b/s and the inner wheel well is only 1/2 inch away from the tire or less. So I'm going with a 3 3//4 rim. If you do the measurements for rim fit,a 255 tire is about 10 inches wide at the side walls,about 1 inch on each side of the rim.