Big D,

The camshaft thrust plate is what holds the cam in position. This plate is sandwiched on the cam between a shoulder and the cam gear. If you whack on the gear with the camshaft in the rig you will drive the cam backwards as the thrust plate hasn't been 'sandwiched' until the gear is all the way onto the cam. Does this make sense.

I think there is a soft plug that seals the rear cam bearing too. It wouldn't be good to knock it out as you wailed on the timing gear.

Once your warm gear cools, it will lock up solid on the cam. I can pretty much guarantee you this will happen before you get it positioned properly. If you are bound and determined to do this, be sure to let us know how it turns out.

Stuart