I cut them flush and welded them to the hanger as a gusset. We pushed the hanger forward to try to keep the tires out of the firewall. It worked, but my shackle angle is bad as a result. I wouldn't do it the same way again. We went about 3/8" forward of flush with the factory crossmember and my shackles are pretty much vertical. Of course every truck is a little different, so I'd clamp it in place and put the weight on the truck to see where you are before you weld it.