You might want to remove the ring and the weights from the clutch too. They get caught under the lip of the pressure plate from time to time. Center force admits they do nothing anyway.
Fork should be 12 1/2" long if you have a small block, 10 7/8" long if you have a big block. May be the angle, but did you make sure the fork is fully mounted/inserted onto the clutch fork pivot bracket?
I'll double check, but from what I remember, everything seemed quite snug. The previous owner did put a 318 in the car while the engine was on a stand if that helps my situation.