Roller fairlead replacement

Just hawsein' around replacing my 45 year old roller fairlead on my Cj. Got the old one partiallly removed and removed the PO welded on tow bar. Now for the question- should I mount in the bumper like the old one or should I mount it up on top of the bumper and weld a plate across the old location? I'm thinking the center line of the fairlead should be mounted even with the bottom of the spool. Give me some input.

 

Down low. Kinda hides it a little( not that you can hide your winch)

 

I agree, down low. It'll spool the cable more evenly if you are feeding off the bottom of the drum and put less stress on the cable and winch mounts. Plus it just plaing looks retro. Nickmil.

 

bottom mount. top mount looks like "Hey, I forgot the fairlead."

 

If it spools off of the bottom thats were it should go(the middle where you have it now) This would keep the stress from the cable to a minimum.And like 66cj5 says its doesn't look like an afterthought.Also the whole fairlead(how did it get THAT name)would be supported by the bumper not just the welded section on the bottom.My .01$ worth. Jim