Free/recalled crib

Tina
A friends mom gave us a drop side crib for free that I later realized was recalled for being drop side. Most of my mom friends told me they still used their drop sides and everything was fine. I found a website that sent us stabilizing parts. I can't quite figure out how they work and the directions are not helpful. Has anyone tried to convert their drop side to stationary and been successful? It seems perfectly sturdy and I would love to still use it, just want it to be safe as possible.