8-1/4 Pinion shaft a little tight

I assume you're talking about the differential cross shaft. Make sure the holes in the spider gears are good and clean and the shims aren't bent or misshapen. It also won't hurt a thing to polish up the crosh shaft with some 400 grit emery cloth and some mineral spirits.
Yes thanks the cross shaft is what I am referring to.
I will clean the assembly out and polish the shaft up. Is there anything you recommend other than gear lube for inserting the shaft to aid in assembly ie turning the shaft to align with the bolt?

Dam this could be a script for a cheesy **** flick lol