Miata Transmission Bearing Fit

'91 daily driver. When I disassembled it, the front main bearing was very tight in the bell housing. Likewise when assembling - I had to use the long case screws to pull it together. With it assembled, it is so tight I can't turn the input shaft without turning the ouput shaft. I didn't check yet, but the front bearing probably doesn't protrude enough to get the snap ring on. I haven't taken measurements yet, but it seems like the bearing is too large or the hole is too small.

How do I fix this?

• Bearing is somehow oversize? Replace it?
• Heat the bell housing before trying to assemble it?
• Take a dremmel to the bell housing? (yikes)

Sounds like one of those times to put the bearing in the freezer and if you have to, take a torch to the trans case... Its amazing what what a little heat, or lack thereof can do! :)

I think I've got the perfect tool for the job - torpedo kerosene heater.

Thanks,