Yeah, the "trick" is the Cobra wheels. Bullits need to be spaced back to ~5.6", the CobraR 5 spokes fit with the 5.72" backspace. The tie rod interference does depend on the specific design of the rim. I forgot about the Cobra R's being different.
Duster346 did run 17x9's later with the same Cobra R wheel, which have a 5.94" backspace. But when I asked him about it after the rally he said he was "on the tie rods and the fenders" with the 17x9's, 5.94" backspace and 275/40/17's.
I know I could probably make 285's fit on my Duster if I rolled the fenders and pushed on the wheel opening a bit when I did, but with 16:1 manual steering I think I'm happy with my 275's.
