Yep, those 3 screws that were covered. When the two halves were pulled apart there were a few small, but significant, metal pieces that fell out! Just to be on the safe side I am ordering the entire assembly which I'm finding is going to cost a little more than $300.00.

And anytime any of you are in or going to be in the Tacoma area, drop me a line...for all of your help I'll buy the first round!