*Update* i installed the new latch and it seems to be working ok, the latch came off a wrecked rodeo, everything is the same except for the length of the lever, i need an extra 2 inches on my fingers to reach it now. I will be welding a piece of flat bar on it tomorrow.

Tom, the bracket was bent and i straightened it out with a pair of pliers so it's all back in alignment now.