Pocko

Crown races are press-fit on the lower part of the steerer tube. The race should slide in easy down the 1-1/8 steerer tube and then stop where it tightens about a quarter of an inch above the crown base surface. That's normal.

You need a pipe longer than the steerer tube but with a diameter no bigger than the race itself. You want to try to avoid a pipe diameter where the inner edge of pipe end actually touches the part of the race where the ball bearings rub... but if that's all you've got just be gentle with it (the race is much harder than a water pipe so it should be OK).

Rest the bottom of the crown on to the end of a wooden 4x2 plank that's longer than your fork leg, then hammer away at the top of the pipe (or even use another block of wood). Don't hammer with the fork legs resting on the floor. YOur suspension will just bob up and down and absorb your hammer blows - PLUS you can damage damper knobs at the bottom of some fork models.

Proceed at your own risk.