Th350 Rebuild / Front end play issues

[stevewaw82k10]

A month ago I got the bright idea I could rebuild my transmission that had ost reverse; when I dissassembled, it needed some TLC.
Got the 350 reassembled today , left out the paper gasket for my front end play check.... now lets see, i've been up for about two days doing this, and I'm gonna speak my mind here:
Input shaft shaft very hard to spin, right?
Output shaft spins, gotta give it some but it goes, harder in other direction.
Initial front end play was .045, did it horizontally and it was easy to push up on.
...i'm now measuring .005" (and i don't think I got it this good) and had to whack the output up with a mallet (frustration kicked in).
I replaced the sun gear assembly, all new clutches, steels, seals..
Heres the catch:
When I disassembled, I was surpised to see NO shim under the front pump bearing..Should I have been surprised, you tell me.
Someone boost my confidence/lack of for a minute please.

 

[76zimmer]

from a 74 GM overhaul manual:

C series trucks have a needle bearing instead of a thrust washer between the direct clutch and the pump cover.

If you have a thrust washer follow these instructions:

Install selective fit thrust washer, oil pump gasket and install pump. Install two bolts and point the output shaft down. Mount a dial indicator so plunger is resting on end of the input shaft.
Push up on the trans output shaft and observe the total indicator movement. Should be .032-.064. If its not within limits remove pump and fit another selective washer to obtain proper measurement.

Also "If I recall correctly" the input should rotate in one direction, but not the other