About to remove the cutting gantry and noticed that this bracket has a bend in it. Should I take it off and straighten it out. I think it is causing some slack
Yes I would, as it has to be effecting your focus on that side.
Nice job. The X axis pulley wheel looks tilted inward… I not sure if that is normal, you might want to inspect it.
will remove and inspect and sort that out next. Maybe i reassembled it incorrectly but it looked like it only went one way?
looks like i mounted it upside 
down on the bracket will swap out Wednesday afternoon. Its K40 reading time now!