Got router back together and working great with all original parts. Depth stop cover was cracked in several so I reinforced it using some scrap laminated aluminum traffic sign material.
Fabricated lift with 2" long piece of scrap 1" tubing, 3 - 3/8" washers, 1" long 3/8 ID spacer, 2 - 3/8 x 24 nuts and bolt and nut (held arms) from a three arm gear puller. Attached it to the router with 5mm bolt a few washers and spacer.
No modification necessary to the router, only 3 holes drilled in the plate.
Lifts from top using 7/16" socket and ratchet or screw gun.
Total cost was some old junk I had lying around.
BTW, I did order M12VE handles that have a larger ID but bolt on tight with 5x25mm washer screws.
Thanks all for your replies.