Heck, feel free to disagree, Chris! I ain't the all-knowing cookie-dough Oracle (perfect place to mis-mismatch a comic battle cry: "Spoon!" ... "Whoa."). I am sometimes right, sometimes wrong, but ALWAYS slow. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I do think the lever can work either way, but it seems like it would be simpler to build with taller section-height outboard, near the frame. I was pretty tickled to tie mine into my shock towers.

I like your new sketch better for strength, especially if you're willing to through-sleeve the bolts that span the frame. I'd prefer to see you use a known-quantity tube stock for those sleeves, and I can't vouch for black pipe (dunno what it is made of). Galvanized is even worse, as it outgases poisonously when welded, and even a bit when ground. Theoretically, it is better to drill in the web (for Isuzus, vertical) of the frame rail, as opposed to the flange (for Isuzus, horizontal), but if you extend the plate that you sketched adjacent to the frame rail over the top of the frame rail, you'll have effectively reinforced the area. Weld a good-sized washer (recommend mild steel squares, as used on foundation bolts, and bonus points if you clock them 45* relative to the rail) on the bottom any you'll be good to go.

Is the motor plate quarter inch? IMHO, that'll be fine. If you want, you could hammer-form 1/8"x1" strap into a small stiffening-rail facing out around its perimeter, Burn that in hot with the welder and you'll guarantee that the motor plate won't flex.

Randii