Solved the upper bushing problem., Individually, each bushing fit and had good freedom of movement. Once the strut was fitted with both bushings the gear became difficult to turn. The problem was either the center of both bushings when mounted to the strut was slightly off (call it Z-axis) or, the X-Y plane of the bushings were not parallel. (or a bit of both?)
I slowly ground the insides of each bushing until I felt there was adequate freedom of movement. Since things loosen up over use/time I did not want to take away too much material.
Final fitting of the main gear and bolts secured and witness marks applied.