AMC 360 crank issues

I'm rebuilding this 360 and I'm at the point to install the crank and new bearings, The thrust plate bearing at the flywheel end is so tight it. I even put the old bearing in just to see if there was a different fit, it to is so tight the crank won't go into place. What am I doing wrong? This is my first build to so I'm on a learning curve

The thrust bearing on an AMC V-8 engine is on the #3 (center) journal. This isn't a small block Chevy.::roll:::roll:::roll:

Bob
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