I just installed a brand new gm crank and some
clevite bearings in my shortblock. After following the book and “setting” the thrust bearing it seems tight to me. I tapped the crank back and then tapped it forward before torquing the #3 cap down. Is it best to use feeler gauges and measure the clearance or to use a dial indicator at the end of the crank? On the front side of the thrust I can get a 0.002” feeler gauge in but it is tight and it stops before I can move back side to side along the bearing face. On the back side a 0.004” feeler fits ok. Another thing that makes me wonder if it makes it seem tighter is the royal purple assembly lube. It’s pretty thick tacky stuff. Should I try reset the #3 cap? Should I use a dial indicator? Or do I have nothing to worry about? Thanks

Use a magnetic base and a dial indicator. If you don’t have one, Harbor Freight sells them for around $20. Set the unit up on either end, doesn’t matter. Your thrust will be the total distance the crank will travel from front to back, or vise-versa.
Sounds like you’ve correctly set up the thrust bearing.

Thanks I will pick up a base and a dial indicator. GM does spec the end play from 0.0015 to 0.0078 so it should be ok.