I've read all the discussions (Haynes and dealer manual) about this and I STILL have a question. I've measured my 1.7L with a dial indicator and the seals removed, here's what I get. It's all in inches...

No shims .052 inches of play
All three shims .011 inches of play
Bearing .007 to .008 inches of play

Subtract the .008 from .011 and I have .003 inches of play

The target end play for the crank is .0027 to .0051
According to the dealer manual I'm allowed up to .007 for the crank bearing (this one seems to be off a little 1/1000th of an inch). This is the original 1973 engine.

It looks like I'm right in the window!?

If I'm reading your post correctly, you say the thrust bearing had .007-.008" of play. If that's true, the engine has to come apart. The bearing MUST fit tightly, without play, in the journal.

The Cap'n