Back in the late 70's I had a Baja. I got the wheels from a company called Peco wheels, they were the Peco Star, white spoked steel, 15 inch by 6 inch fron & 7 inch rear. They knew exactly what offsets to use. I believe they might still be around and supplying the off road racing scene.

I had a 66 beetle and realised that shockies were the same for front and rear, so I got some air-adjustable shocks that are sold for the rear of the beetle and put them on the front. Didnt need much air to pump them up for off road. I adjusted the rear torsion bars as well.

Otherwise there are things like extended trailing arms available in the US, but all this stuff coems with its own problems.

Thanks for your help! Will have a suss, realized that half of my question didnt make sense so I will have to re write!!