Not that I take my own advice- but maybe Mobile mechanic time? It might just be a little technique, which could save you hours and more cash.I've checked the bearing with my digital caliper and they seem fine all measure the same ..one bearing does have a very small chip ..see photo ... although not good I can't see this stopping it going in ..but the inner joint may have worse damage and I don't think these are replaceable being part of the driveshaft ?? So I'm back up that creek again
Alternatively do the 3 lobes only fit in one way - I had similar with a splined shaft on a mower recently..