77 Waggy D44s, just how far will they stick out?

I am more inclined to a narrow look, but this CJ-5 already has front/rear D44s from a 77 Wagoneer swapped in. Currently it looks like this. Any way to narrow it up with wheels with different backspacing?

 

You can put wheels with a different/custom offset but you are going to have to pay close attention to wheel to caliper/drum clearance. I think you'll find there's not a heckuva lot of clearance between the inner lip of the wheel and caliper. You might get around that with larger diameter wheels. If you really don't like the width then I'd suggest going back to CJ width axles.

Edit, you could also narrow the axles. If you can't do this yourself there are several companies that offer this service.

 

Just contemplating getting a second Jeep (this one) but not sold on the width and stance. I would hate to undo all that custom work by narrowing the axles, or doing another swap.

I was thinking maybe, just maybe some wheels with different backspacing would bring it back in under the metal fenders better.

 

It doesn't look that wide to me. Looks like the rubber is mostly inside the flares. Maybe it's the angle of the pic.

 

Looks fine to me. Wider = stable!...but that honestly looks like a great width. Too much BS on the wheels to bring it in and you'll have to do something about a new steering arm to clear the wheels if it's running cross over or high steer.

 

Are you sure it's got waggy 44's under it? It looks stock width with aftermarket wheels to me.

 

From the picture, looks like it is waggy axles with some fairly offset rims to hold the tires under the fenders already. From what I can see the locking hubs are sticking out.
If you wanted to go back to stock running gear, that isn't going to be an easy swap either, the spring were (most likely) outboarded to fit the axles.

 

Just got a reply from the current owner. He said it sticks out 6 inches from the metal part of the fenders, the plastic fenders just barely cover the rubber. Also noticed the steering box required cutting into the front grill. Interesting... Will probably pass on this one, but will definitely make someone else happy.

 

With the extra wide flares it looks symmetrical. If its a stock look your after I’d pass on this one.

 

Seeing how little they stick out actually is making me reconsider swapping waggie 44s in my 74'.