First time in 15 years putting things together,when sliding the lower bearing race down the fork tube it stops on a step just before getting to the flange ,doesn't the race need to fall all the way down to the flange ?Thanks Guys Mike

yes, it needs to be pressed or gently tapped into place. grease it up first!

Thank you bro! I just didnt want to booger-up nothing

both forks and headsets came in 2 different crown race diameters: 26.4mm and 27.0mm. (most asian-made forks were 27.0mm)

sounds like you may have a mixed combo.

Mr. Coasterbrake thanks ,i just measured with a dial caliper and it seems that they both measure about the same 1.037,i think the inside diameter of the race needs cleaning up it looks rough even though its a new set .All you guys are a great help!Im sure more questions will follow when i get to the RL cranks but maybe not!

yeah, but remember - the 2 sizes are only a half milimeter different. measuring "about" the same may be enough to be off.

"close" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

I went to the garage and got a dremel to lightly grind on the i.d. of the race and hopefully bring it to a slip fit the hard part is keeping it concentric,but ill get it in a little while!

I got it! dremel with the round sanding drum.Now what about white grease for the bearings?