I am in the middle of assembling a 5.3, I put the crank in no problems. Today I have started putting in the pistons and I have torqued all of the rod caps to 40 FT LBS, as soon as I torque piston #7's rod cap past 15 FT LBS the crank becomes extremely tight and is impossible to turn. This is all re-used pistons, rods, and crank that came with the engine. I'm thinking its either the bearing or maybe a bent rod.
Thanks in advance.
Links
Bearings : https://www.ebay.com/itm/16466070081...mis&media=COPY

 

Have you checked bearing clearances? Best tools to do this are micrometers and dial bore guage. But Plastiguage from the local parts store would be fine in you case. Maybe you got a bearing too tight?

 

BIG hint- NEVER buy critical engine parts (like bearings) off Ebay. It's a box of chocolates with a bad taste- you never know if you're getting the right parts....