2004.5 Polaris Sportsman 500 Tires - HELP

Currently my Polaris 2004.5 still has the stock tires on it. Carlisle Badlands - Front 25x8x12 and Rear 25x11x12.

I have found the tires I would like to replace them with. Mud Gear from Nebraskatire.com
Mud Gear ATV Mud Tires from Nebraska Tire

Can I go to the 26x10x12 in Front and 26x12x12 in the Rear with Stock Suspension and factory 12x7 rims without mods or spacers?

Also how much does this effect steering (Wife still rides it and doesn't want it to steer harder)????

The final question is: Is it worth it to due a size increase? I cross alot of streams and ditches that have mud in them all year long. I am tired of having to winch myself out all the time.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

those tires should work fine w/ stock rims, i didn't notice any differance in steering on mine, slightly larger tires alway's help IMO.

Thanks for the quick reply.

So just to clarify I wouldn't have do any tie rod swapping or spacers to clear in the front???

i don't think so.