max backspace?

Adapters and spacers are available to use late model wheels on early model cars.
http://www.wheeladapter.com/wheel_adapters.php

The physics involved between the bearings and the wheel are not that complicated.
Our cars use a pair of bearings on the front so the load really won't make much dif one way or the other...unless you are a SoCal mexican driving around in something that slightly resembles a skateboard...LOL

The rear has an outer bearing and the inner is part of the dif...absolutely no effect here.

The wheels themselves, which is what the OP is asking I think, come down to materials and workmanship. The more the wheel is off set from center, the stronger the joint between the round and the mount flange will have to be. Does that make sense to ya?

Basically, if you are buying your wheels from a reputable manufacturer (and you should be), you won't have a problem in wheel strength.