Front brakes

I have a 1994 chevrolet extended cab Z-71. When I changed the front rotors & pads I couldn't get the caliper back on with the new pads in. The bolts for the caliper were at least 1/8" off from lining up. Does the piston compress back flush with the inside of the caliper? I removed some brake fluid, compressed the piston, removed the two retaining bolts, romoved the old pads, switched the rotors. clipped in the new pads. Is there some trick? Thanks for any help you can give me.

I assume you removed and lubricated the caliper slide bushings, if not try that. If that is not the problem I suspect that you have the wrong rotors, specifically the rotors may have a different offset, you will have to lay them down side by side to see the difference.
I have had some cheap parts that were actually thicker than the factory components and would not line up properly

FCFFUZZYFACE

you should be able to compress the piston pretty much flush with the rest of the caliper. Are you sure you are compressing that fully? Also you dont need to drain any fluid when compressing, because you will need it for full life of the new brakes just like your old brakes needed. If you are sure the is this four wheel or two wheel drive? If you are sure the rotor is fully seated and piston is fully compressed, maybe they gave you the wrong rotor and/or pads.

Thanks guys I figured it out.