On the bottom of the hub assembly you have three rubber bushings the clutch shoe rides on. How freely should the shoes be able to move off of the bushings. Mine took a little effort to remove the shoe out from the bushings (clutch springs off)and I am wondering if this is normal.

 

Yes, it's normal.
Your going to be cutting off the part that goes over the rubber things anyways.
Take the rubber things off if you do.

 

Thank you again for answering all of my questions.