I'm not sure what to tell you on the crank but if you need some help with the engine numbers, this is a good reference site.
http://www.nastyz28.com/decode.php It covers everything, heads, block, cam, all of it. I recently refreshed my BBC too. I didn't have any problems with the timing gears installation. Almost sounds like they gave you the wrong part. May try looking up the part number yourself and seeing if it matches. Sounds like it will be a fun project for you though! I wish you the best!