The ends of the pistons are likely extended outside of the bores. You can't see this because the boots hide them. To verify the fit you can mock up the cylinders without the rubber boots on. That way you will see the over-extended piston cups.
When the piston cups are pushed in, and the rubber boots are on, you nearly have to almost ruin the rubber boots to get the cylinders into place.
Carl


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission