My measurement was done with the wheels under the car and centered as best as I possibly could.. I have noticed with these wells that it would be better to have them further in then out because of how much the outer wheelhouse leans in and the inner goes practically straight up. The car is mini-tubbed, not full tubbed. Having them further in means they can always be spaced out as well, although I would really prefer to just do it right and not have to space the wheels. I'll be going with Bill's rear suspension setup so pinion angle will be adjusted through the upper links, not the pads. Your spring perch measurement matches mine which is good! Can you list your wheel and tire specs for me(offset & backspacing)?
Here are some pictures of how the wheels are centered when I took the 54.75" measurement. As well as just a couple other pictures of the car.. the stance isn't right in the front or rear, so ignore that for now.
http://img19.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=dsc01365la.jpg