1987 Johnson 40 Hp Reverse Lock

I have a 1987 40 Hp Johnson, that I cant quite get to lock down when using the lock tab. The 'jaws' that are supposed to go down to grab the tilt rod to move down when engaged, just not far enough to reach the rod itself. Obviously this causes the motor to pop up when trying to use reverse, so Id really like to fix this issue.

Does anyone have any idea how to improve the travel of the jaws to grab the rod? Are the springs old and perhaps worn?

This motor is new to me, and I dont know an awful lot about this locking mechanism.

Thanks.

Zoom in on this diagram and see if you are missing any parts https://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/JOHNSON/1987/J40TECUD/MIDSECTION/parts.html

Also if you can post a picture of the locking mechanism not grabbing all the way we can better help with the problem probably