MTD 20 ton log splitter wedge adjustment

[memory]

We have a MTD 20 ton log splitter, not sure of the year. Having little bit of an issue with the wedge adjustment. There are two wear pieces called gibs with an adjustment screw on each of them. The one on the bottom keeps falling out. I took both sides apart and on the side with the gibs, 2 of the bolts are bent. Not sure if that is part of the issue but going to replace them anyways. On the other side, the second pic, it has a couple of plates that ride along side of the beam. Now to my knowledge, these have never been replaced. It looks like it would be better off if they are turned around if that will work. Not sure if they was supposed to be that way to begin with but on the opposite side, it is curved on one end of it. Not sure it is supposed to be like that or it is bent.

When adjusting it, is there a certain tightness it needs to be? I measured the beam at the top and towards the bottom and it is pretty darn close to the same.

 

[0rion]

I know this is a really old post but just wondering if you figured it out? I just got basically that same splitter and got it up and running. It led a hard life and I notice those gives have a lot of slop in them so I'd like to learn about these because I know less than nothing.