Swing Plate Assembly problem on Ariens DLX1130 snowblower

Hi,
I have a Ariens DLX1130 snowblower and the traction belt burned up last week.  I got a new belt, and installed it, but then noticed that the left hand side of the rod at the top of the Swing Plate Assembly isn't fixed to the side of the snow blower.  The parts diagram doesn't really show anything there to hold it in place.  You can see by the attached pictures that the lip on the inside of the housing is missing.  I can pop the rod back in the hole, but when I depress the lever to engage the drive it pops right back out.  If anyone has a similar model, please post a picture of what this is supposed to look like.  Also, any recommendations on how I can secure that rod in place would be appreciated.  Ariens customer service mentioned that it appears that I am missing a washer, but beyond that they said they couldn't recommend any modifications to the machine due to liability.  Anyway, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

James,
I have a smaller 824E with the same issue. Can I ask what you found to be the solution? I see nothing to hold it in the hole on one end, and it seems like the cotter key would prevent it from moving much on the other end. I see a "poly bushing" and "swing gate spacer on the other end that seem like maybe they could wear but there doesn't seem to be much play in the rod.