Thanks for the birfield tool link and the vise trick. We will try the vise trick now. I'll go to the hardware store and buy some pipe and parts as soon as I can if we are still frustrated.

Also thanks to all for the replies and talking me out of the birfield eliminator kit.  I just bought 2 marfields and 2 spindles from Marlin and inner shafts from Alllpro (Marlin was backordered for 2 weeks  ). So I'm all set on parts to go it again. Thanks again.