Might be a little bit late to help you now, but I picked up a little chain puller from Princess Auto for ~$20 and it worked a charm. I've never had an issue with the chains that run from the idler to the trans, but I have had an issue with the chains that run from the idler to the front axles.
Also, I wonder if the chain you bought is maybe short a link? If you haven't already, I would count the links on your new chain and old chain just to be sure.