Tight axles?

So I assembled my rear end yesterday 8 3/4 3:55 green bearings! When I bolted down my axles and backing plates things got a little snug! Axles have 3" studs, bolts with lock washers under heads. Pass side clears with less then quarter inch from spreader bar for shoes, driver side hits spreader bar for shoes , and over all without spreader bar entire assembly turns with a lot of drag?? What am I missing here??