That is not the same technique described by Max1196. You must hit the crank from the rear w/that deadblow, and not a baby tap either, after You rapped it from the snout.
Simply prying on it ain't going to do it, smack the damn thing! Also, I'm not sure which "side" You are referring to, Upper shell vs Lower shell? You can't have a "total" of
.007", if You've "only got .005" on one side", it don't work that way. Interpreting what You seem to be saying, You have a maximum gap of .007", but the thrust is really
only .005" total due to the "tight side". Is this correct?