int sickle mower ?

[Sheepdr]

I am rebuilding a # 24 int. mower started on the sickle bar. Found the pitman strap was broke. I looked at the other one I have and found it had been broke too. Must be a weak point. My question is when I started to put the sections back I found there are thick ones and thin ones. Does the thin ones HAVE to go under the pitman strap? I put. A thick one under it so where the thin ones are its not tight together. Will this cause a problem?
Any other thoughts about these mowers would be greatly appreciated. I have never used one of these before. I have a 6' kuhn but these int mowers are a little different. A book would help if anyone has one.
Thanks
sheepdr