I have complete Hotchkis suspension in my 69 Cutlass which drops about 1" and widens track 3/8" they tell me. They dont recomend wheel sizes but have run 245/45/17s on 8" rims on one of their cars. The offset is the big question. I measure 3.5" from hub face to fender lip at top. I think they said theirs were 4.75" offset. Any of you guys have this setup??
Thanks

 

What fits is likely to be limited by the outer tie rod end, especially if you're wanting 14s or 15s rather than 17s or 18s. GM used a 15x7 with a 4.25" back spacing, leaving 2.75" on the front side. Usually you can fit a 4.5" backspacing with little trouble. Going up to an 18, you're entirely past the end, so you can move toward 5 or 5.5" backspacing. The correct solution is to buy a plastic "Wheelmate" or find a tire store with a metal one.

 

I have a complete Older TVS setup on my 71... no lower A arm in the kit.. also using the B-Body spindle. I cut my front spring 1/2" coil, as with the LS1 engine and the B-Body spindle (-1") and the -1.5" springs, my car was still about stock high due to the lighter LS1.

I am running Crager SS 17" 17x8 and 17x9 (in think they are 9.5") in the rear with the standard 4.5" backspacing on both... tires 245x45x17 and 275x40x17 ... no problems

 

Be careful when using the terms "offset" and "backspacing."

Backspacing is measured from the hub mounting surface to the back of the rim. You can measure it by laying the rim on its face, then laying a flat edge across the top. Measure down from the flat edge to the hub mounting face of the rim.

Offset is how the hub mounting face is oriented in the rim. If it is equally spaced between the front and the rear of the rim then the rim has 0" offset. If it is more towards the face (like a modern wheel) then it has - offset. If it is more towards the rear (like an old school, deep dish rim) then it has + offset.