I am having trouble taking off my drag washers from the main shaft. I don't want to force them so does anyone have any tips or is there something special with this reel? I had no problem with my express. It is almost like there is something stopping it where the thread stops going the full way around. Thanks!

Edit: I decided to reassemble it and wait for ideas and now cannot get the washer on prior to the handle, or even the handle without it. I wonder if the owner before me somehow messed up the shaft...

Take something very thin and pry it off from the master gear..

Take a stiff wire brush and work the area that is giving you problems, if the brush in not enough, closely inspect the area and LIGHTLY work it with an emory board to remove any burrs. This has worked many times for me in the past with this same issue.

There is likely a high spot where the shaft was milled at that point and the previous owner isn't the culprit.  It's brass, so be gentle with an emery board. A few light passes on the corners should do it.  The good news is that reel has close tolerances, which is a good thing.

Some light filing did the trick. Thanks guys!

This is from too much torque on the handle nut.  As you found, light filing is a quick cure.