As far as the four 3/8 bolts go, I kept changing the length of bolt so they screw in all the way and are not sticking out. I did not use the u-bolts but used the shims.
All my implements are of different widths so I let the adapters a little loose. My biggest problem is the snow moves the safety latches when plowing deep snow. I don't have the cast ones. I have the ones that were plasma cut. I always get off the tractor to hook mine up. I have to hook up the hydraulic top link, the shaft, and the hoses. I just line up and lift the arms to hook up. I made extra washers for all my implements. I wanted to buy a weld on end so I can take the top link and have that on the same principle.
I made adapters on all the implements to compensate for the added 4 inches. For the mower, I added a clutch which was exactly 4 inches. I know it says to add a longer top link but being hydrostatic, I avoided the extra cost that way. My arms have adjustable sway bar links so I don't have a lot of play.