Steering Stem Bearings and Ball joints

I have a Honda TRX350 from back in 03. It started steering really hard so I figured I need to replace the ball joints and the steering stem bearings.

I am really at whit’s end with parts not sliding in like I would like them to. The bearings only go half way in and then stop at the circle ring groove and the ball joints…not even a quarter inch.

OEM replacements on the Ball joints and aftermarket bearings.

I have watched the youtube videos and I just don’t get it. Ended up buggering up one of the ball joints and just quit right there.

Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it.