I am thinking about getting some 26" mud lites on my Sportsman 500. They are 10" wide on the front and have heard this width may rub my suspension or tie rods. Anyone with expirience with this? If so, will I need spacers or will washers do the trick? Thanks for any info.

 

ive seen some on a 500 and i dont think they rub and i dont think he added any spacers... i could be wrong tho.
the are quite a mean tire tho.

 

I have 26" Mud Bugs mounted on ITP C series rims on my HO and they did rub, just. I placed a single flat washer on each wheel stud and that fixed it. Of course the clearance is only 1/8" but it seams to be enough. No problems so far.

 

Are the c-series rims more off set than stock rims?

 

yes, they will rub. A 26x8" wide should be okay, but the 10 will rub the tie rod. I doubt that any amount of washers on the stud will be enough to give you a safe amount of clearance, plus it could give you other problems like loose wheels and broken studs. I put 1 inch spacers on mine when I put on the 28x10 fronts. I got them from Highlifter, and while they weren't cheap, they are the real deal. The other kind which puts a single stud extender on each individual stud are scary. I wouldn't dare use them. I got 28x12s on the back with no spacers, but I'd like to add them just to get it even wider. Good luck.

 

I also have the 500 sportsman. i have two questions.

1.) Will the 26x8 look weird on the front with the 26x12's on the back? or should i go with 26x10's for the front?
2.)If going with the x10's on front, where do i get the correct spacer? Thanks, PB500

 

I like the 10" wide front tire, between that and the spacers its a pretty wide, mean looking front end. Does throw a little more water and mud up at you though. The spacers I got are from Highlifter.com

 

I picked up a set of extra wide mud skirts from my local P dealer, they handle the extra wide tires very well. Expensive for what they are but it's worth it.