That it doesn't want to go onto the little dowels all the way, i try pushing it on a littl more, then i realize the pressure plate is engaging the clutch and the clutch is engaging the flywheel. Is this normal, to have the pressure plate suspended off the flywheel before bolting it down or what?

 

yes, thats normal, when its not bolted on, the pressure plate is basically engaged, so it is open, its like the clutch pedal is let out.......it needs to put pressure on the disc.