Tailgate latch play

[Cbo68]

I purchased a new tailgate latches, handles and rods. I have everything installed correctly but have a lot of play in the rods from the latches to the handle. When it finally grabs and starts to pull the latch springs it only moves it’s an 1/8 maybe a 1/4 before the handle stops. Only way I see to fix this is shim the latches out, shorten the rods, or somehow shorten the slot in the new latches to take up the play. That or these latches that came with the kit are a pos. Any insight on this would be much appreciated. Pictures are the latches. I don’t have the stock hardware or I would reuse.

Thanks