26 inch rims, 305 30 26 tire F150?

I bought a set of 26 inch rims with the 305 30 26 tires for my 2002 Ford SuperCrew F150 and they hit with the big bar underneath my truck that turns the wheels everytime i turn. i already cut the bumper 2 inches on each side so it doesn't hit the bumper anymore, only the big steering bar. What can i do to prevent it from hitting? Spacers?? Smaller tire?? I dont know what to do! My truck looks badass with the 26s and i would rather fix the problem than downgrading to 24's. what should i do to prevent the wheels from hitting the big steering column??