Re the steering race, it sounds like you are referring to the bearing track, which needs to be removed if you are fitting taper bearings.
There is usually a shim beneath this and rubber seal.
You can usually pry the seal away.
To remove the bearing track you need to gradually and evenly lever up.
May need to damage the shim in process, but better that than yoke and they are available and cheap.
You can try gently warming the track with a hot air gun to expand, but not enough to heat up yoke, although usually it takes an old flat screwdriver gently tapped in to start movement and get larger levers.
Recommend securing steering bottom yoke in vice (with soft jaws) whilst doing this.
Tolerances vary, but using two levers to evenly lift works best.
You should get instructions with taper bearings on measuring up and use of lower spacer.
Most taper kits have a deeper than original top race, which can result in the top yoke sitting slightly higher so can effect fit of headlamp brackets.
Found this on Youtube and has many examples of how not to do!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H-G111JXbUNever use hardened tools like screwdiver to hit races in place, I like to use a suitable sized socket or an aluminium drift, but brass would be good too. Key is to get parts in evenly.