8-3/4 brake gap/ standoff odd measurement

Well I did some thinking and a bunch of measurements and imprint test. This is a dead top sound. Something is stopping this axle from going in all the way. Measuring 26-15/16 from center of pin to bearing face and axle is 26-13/16. Did an imprint test with some hot glue and I have about .160 of gap so it’s not the middle shaft. The axle seal show about 3/16 gap of clearance. And I have about 1/16 gap between the spiral lock and bearing face. Other side is a solid 1/8. I’m stumped. Really don’t want to run a make up spacer for the backing plate. It will push tires too far into the quarter than I like.. any thoughts?