I think maybe the newer kits have changed a little. I will have to look, but on the older kits that front bracket has a lightering hole cut in it and we just went through that hole to a 90* bend at the end of that vent tube leg. It has been a while and I don't look at it but once a year, so I would look at the drawings that you have. If it gives you the option to have the hole there, and you feel comfortable doing it, get rid of that weight and have a straighter shot at that bulked fitting. Again if I remember correct that bulked fitting came straight out on our older kits. Hope this helps, Yours, R.E.A. III #80888
PS. I would not leave that split joint bolt as is, Go by the plans with the washers, carter keys, and low binding force so that joint will separate at impact the way it is designed to do. Hopefully none of us will ever need it to, but if you ever do need it to that is what it's there for.