yes, i was told the same. no manuals were provided for the slide, or crank handle. g s told me they supply handles, but dealer says nevr have seen one.
my shaft is under the steps. it is inline with the drive for the slide, but at opposite end. mine is a shaft with a roll pin thru it. i made an adapter from a steel tube with a slot cut in it, welded to a bolt with a 3/4" head. this fits in the end of my jack handle. good luck.