Winch Plate Mounting

I was juse out this weekend, prepping the 5 for the parts installs/mods I have planned. While mocking up the winch plate I now have some questions.

I got a Tomken machine winch plate ( http://www.tomken.com/detail.php?id=179 )but I need to know a few things;

1) Is the plate supposed to sit flush on the framerail tops, or sit about an inch above them ?
This one seems to be made to sit above them, because if it is supposed to sit on top, the side plates interfere with the spring shackles.

2) The side plates have pre-drilled mounting holes, one of which is almost definately going to interfere with one of the steering box mounting bolts, Should I drill my own holes where there will be no interference?

3) There side plates are 1/4 inch wider than the framerails,how tight are the tolerances supposed to be and how much of a gap is acceptable?

Also, I was planning on getting the winch on first, but the plate is definately going to interfere with the MORE SRS kit I plan on installing, so it will most likely be the last thing done. So,,, I will most likely need to notch out a pretty good size piece (2x3 inches or so)

4) How much modification/trimming can I do to this plate without compromising it's strength?

 

all good questions . id e-mail the manufacturer. But for the most part id say its a make it fit kinda deal. as with anything aftermarket

 

Yep, was waiting till Monday to call their tech support but figured you guys were the best tech support I could find. I only get one opinion/option from the manufacturer,, many are available here.
Will all work out ,, just depends on how long it will take to get the end results I like.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

 

I would think that the side bolt holes would determine the position of the plate. The holes should line up with corresponding holes in the frame. There should be a bushing for the rear holes since that section of the frame is boxed and the bushing will prevent crushing of the frame when the bolt is tightened. As far as the mount sitting down flat on top of the rails, It is not necessary. I have a Warn winch mount on my CJ-5 and the plate sits off the frame rails because of the way the mount is made.

If the mount is 1/4" wider than the rails, I would stick washers in to take up the space so that nothing gets stressed when the bolts are tightened . As far as notiching the side plates, I would think notching in the area beolw the bolts holes wouldn't be a problem providing you leave enough material around the bolt holes so as to not weaken the mount points.