Axle width / wheel backspace

If ordering a 9" axle (complete) is it best to maybe go for a slightly wider width rather than shorter? (measured wheel mount to wheel mount)

I guess that you could make up the width either way by getting different backspacing on the wheels?

What I'm considering is I can get a "crate" axle at 56" from stock but my measurements make that a little tight and 57" is ideal, 58 too wide!

Thanks

 

could always subtract a 1/2" from each wheel's backspacing....or add a bolt on spacer to each side....brandon

 

What kind of car do you plan to install the axle on?

56" is a very common rear axle width in the hot rod world.

It works fine with the commonly available 3" backspacing wheels on 32 roadsters and the like.

Measured outer drum to outer drum fwiw.