Optimum track width

[another69]

So would "0" offset really be best for bearing load? That would make sense. Are you saying that a positive offset is better for the bearing than a negative offset? In order for my wheels to clear my new calipers, I need to run spacers which make the offset even more negative, but I have no choice right now. I prefer the track to be as wide as possible as long as it doesn't hurt the suspension geometry or put an excessive load on the bearings.

[astroracer]

So would "0" offset really be best for bearing load? That would make sense. Are you saying that a positive offset is better for the bearing than a negative offset? In order for my wheels to clear my new calipers, I need to run spacers which make the offset even more negative, but I have no choice right now. I prefer the track to be as wide as possible as long as it doesn't hurt the suspension geometry or put an excessive load on the bearings.

The actual offset depends on the wheel size, suspension design and how much room you have in the fender. With my van I actually pushed the tire out past the stock outer fender to optimize the scrub radius on a fairly wide front suspension design. If I was using a narrower front rim, like a 7" wide rim, I could go with that "0" offset. Because I wanted (needed?) wider I had to push the wheel inboard to get the width. This going negative yes. Where the inner part of the rim is wider then the outer, pulling the "tire/wheel" inboard, or a negative movement. Those 15 x 10 with a 4" Back Space American 200s's I had on my '73 Firebird were a very positive offset, pushing the tire/wheel outboard toward the outer fender. Those deep looking rims are not very conducive to good handling as they put a lot of load into the bearings.
Mark