Well, I was at it again....If the shop cant do it (they couldnt) then do it yourself. Looking back at the published specs in Shepards "How to rebuild the Mopar small block" and determining the proof reader wasn't a Mopar guy, I found out the specs were wrong for the press pin rod end size. If all pins are .984(2), then the .0015 interference would make them .9825 nominal ID. I dont know what mine were (guy measured .980 with an caliper, not a mic) so I just mounted a sanding drum on my dremel and commenced to do a little clearancing of the ID. Did the trick...Heated the rod end over a Bernzomatic torch on a fat boy 
for 90 seconds each side and pushed the oiled pin right through. Stick your finger in the pin so you have the ability to pull it out in the same motion and make sure the pin slides through easily without the rod in position. Heat it, drop it in and give a good push. You got about 1 second to center the pin then the rod will lock it up wherever it is. If you flub one, I found you can hammer it for another 5 seconds before it really locks up. I had to tap one out because it got cocked with a deep socket but it only went in about 1/16 on an inch. Started over and got it centered. Future builds WILL be floaters, they are so much easier, just make sure your pistons are set up for locks or youll have to get them cut. Another Sunday night, another hurdle cleared...
for 90 seconds each side and pushed the oiled pin right through. Stick your finger in the pin so you have the ability to pull it out in the same motion and make sure the pin slides through easily without the rod in position. Heat it, drop it in and give a good push. You got about 1 second to center the pin then the rod will lock it up wherever it is. If you flub one, I found you can hammer it for another 5 seconds before it really locks up. I had to tap one out because it got cocked with a deep socket but it only went in about 1/16 on an inch. Started over and got it centered. Future builds WILL be floaters, they are so much easier, just make sure your pistons are set up for locks or youll have to get them cut. Another Sunday night, another hurdle cleared...
