My son has a set of those and they are nice.

 

No offense, but that thing isn't straight. Also, the "ears" on the left and right...you welded those on, right? I think I recall you posting a pic a while back after you hit a tree, and one side cracked open. I believe you even defended it, as a trail damage trophy. Not trying to bust *****, just saying that factory hooks work fine, for light duty stuff...but true protection and recovery points need to be beef. Bottom line is the OP needs to decide what kind of wheeling the rig will see and what's appropriate for his ride. Bigger tires, well, it's a wear item, and slightly bigger is ok, but bigger tires mean gearing changes, if drastic. Gears mean lockers. (starting to get expensive) ....OP you are on the right track, you got rid of the problem areas of the suspension, and on the cheap, too... nicely done. I would focus on protection and recovery. Let the other stuff come later. That way if you get into trouble, you can get out of it, with assistance if need be.

 

Its straight just a weird angle I took the picture at. and yes I broke a weld on one of the ears, I drove it into tree at about 25 hitting a mud hole. Surprised I didn't do more damage. but those ears were both just welded on for cosmetics I was supposed to gusset them but never got around to it. Besides that its great for recovery, pulled a couple people with it no problems.

 

One up-grade I would do ASAP since you want to go up and do some serious wheeling is a steering box brace at the bare min. if you go any taller with your tires. My son and I both have experienced that frame rail failure and my son doesn't even wheel his. It will help with all the stress on the one frame rail. They run anywhere from $60-$80 bucks or you can fab one if you want to.