I want to install 27" Blackwater XT tires on my sp500, will I need to install a lift kit.

After reading about some of the problems on the front CV joints I really do not want to use a lift kit.

 

Yup, get the lift. I recomend the Highlifter kit, but thats just me.

 

There has been some very long discussions on this subject. I bought the same tires for my SP 500 this winter and was concerned with the CV talk. I opted to go with a 1/2" lift and the firm replacment springs from Polaris in the front end. I may bump it up to 1 full inch when my lath guy gets some free time, but as it stands right now the front end is damn hard to make scrub. There was also some mention of steering stops to shorten up the turning radius, I'll get some of those made also for extra insurance.

 

Part of the answer to your question concerns how heavy your front end is. With a metal bumper, winch, and 30 pound fuel pack on my front end, the 1 ½” High Lifter Lift Kit was essential for my SP500 with 26” Mud Runners. The firm front springs are a necessity too, although I’d recommend those to anyone just for the improvement in handling they provide.

After around 1200 miles with this setup I’ve had no CV problems; yet. Very recently I did install the “steering limiter kit.” This consisted of cutting two 7/8” long sections of ¾” galvanized pipe, squeezing them a little in a vise so they are “oval,” and gently tapping them on over the stock steering stops with a hammer. Crushing them just a little gives a naturally tight fit and they seem to be there to stay, or until I might want to pop them off. This is easier and less permanent than the epoxy and silicone methods others have used to secure them.

 

Thanks for the help I will install a 1.5" lift kitand go from there.