My "new" '74 Duster- or why I need a project like a hole in the head

So...17x8, 5.25" backspacing, 245/45R17?

Yep, that should work
What does a 4'5" backspace wheel interfere with in front? There is a guy near me selling a complete set of Year One 17" Rally wheels with Conti tires-17x9, 5" backspace, 275/40, and 17x8, 4.5" backspace, 245/40.
The fender. A 17x8 with a 4.5” backspace and a 245/40/17 will stick out 15mm further than my 275’s do.

People have done it, I’ve seen those YO rallye’s on A-bodies. You basically need to run the front high enough that they clear. Ends up looking like a 4x4 though, in my opinion anyway.