Kieth, Thanks so much for the valuable info! I do have the levers at the rear of the bed- there's a long rod and a clevis that hooks to a bar leading to the winch. Nothing is bent, and they're still hooked up and move in their full range.
Here is a bracket that I removed to clear the crossmembers when transporting the bed- is this part of the winch drive train?
also- if you have pics of the complete drivetrain for this style hookup- I'd love to see them. I'll do some more research, based on your new info- keep it coming, it's very helpful.
Now, I guess it's outside to go eat more bondo.