Can someone please let me know if a 26x9x12 tire will fit the front without rubbing on a 08 500 HO . I'd like to go from my stock 25's to 26 without buying new rims or using front spacers . Thanks

 

yes they will fit...

 

the 9" wide front tires will be close to rubbing.

 

Is there any real down side to running front spacers or is it always better to get new rims . Thinking of going from my stock 489's to either 25x8-12 , 25x11-12 or 26x9-14 or 26 x8 -14 front , 26x11-14 back with the Terracross RT/XD I don't need a pure mud tire . Would the 9 on the front over the 8 be better I do lots of trail and road running sometimes 100 miles a day want good steering . I figure I'd feel the difference going from 489 to something better .

 

the 9" tire is heavier and may make it steer harder. the wider tire would be a little more stable. people have used both as far as spacers or aftermarket rims w/ good results. not sure how the 14" rims would effect(if any at all. maybe tire roll off the rim from low profile tires)and maybe the guys who have them could tell you better.

 

I read somewhere on here that a 12 inch rim and tire is better in the mud as there's more sidewall and tire flex but the 14 inch tire has a smaller sidewall and is better for handling a little stiffer . I could go 12 inch if my theory is not correct .

 

i just upgraded to some 25x10x12 mud runners on stock polaris steel wheels. The fronts rub on the strut assembly, so i have on order 2-1.5" wheel spacers for the front...i will let you know how they work when i get them. For the time being i actually flipped the front rims around(inside out) so the valve stem is on the inside so it would move the tire away from the strut assembly....it worked but the stem hits the caliper...lol but it gave me an idea how hard it might be to steer and such.

 

Its frustrating b/c everywhere I check to buy the Mudlites XTR in 27" they seem only to carry the
14" rims. Whats going on? Is the mfg'ing behind, are they in too high demand? Were there problems
with them, so no one carries them, or is a money thing?

Hey Spdecat, I heard that too, thats why my interest was in the 12' Vs. 14", b/c I want better handling in
the mud and want to get thru tight trails. Another friend tells me though that the 14" handle better and a smoother
ride.

Regards,

R'

 

I put 26x9-12 Carlisle Mud Wolf tires on my stock '04 rims and had to add spacers (1 1/8" - the smallest I could find) and longer wheel studs. The x9's rubbed but not much - just enough to need spacers. The mod was worth it. I like the extra width in the front for what I use my ATP for. I don't care about weight or steering quickness or whatever downsides there are to 26x9's in the front. My 500 HO ATP is a workhorse.

 

The tire size thing is frustrating..and 3 out of 4 of my stock tires have plugs in them..all side wall holes... I just bought some ITP holeshots ATR's for the front tires. They are the same size as the stockers (26x8x12). I like the holeshots from the sport quad days..so going with the ATR's wasn't a difficult decision for me. I'll let you guys know how they do. Hopefully the stock rear tires get me thru this summer, hopefully.