That looks good! You're making great progress on her. 

Can you cut the excess chain off with a pair of wire cutters? 

I don't think the ESV should have any extra chain hanging off the end - but I also think you might have your chain on too tightly - all the pictures I see have it draped fairly loosely from each of the springs.  My suggestion is to loosen it a bit so the excess disappears on it's own.

I am afraid that I have been bit by the pe bug.  Next thing I know, I will be spending more money on aftermarket parts than the kit itself.

The mine plow itself is now mostly completed. All that is left to do on it is the mount for mounting to the Stryker. 

I do have one quick question, what should I use to cut the excess chain length on the end?

Back for an update. The lower hull is now completed and I am ready to work on the mine plow for the next phase.