How do I fix no animations on custom models?

When the groups are arranged like this, the model appears normal, but it doesn't accept animations when uploaded to MCreator, but when I separate all groups, it accepts animations, but the model breaks.  Is there a workaround? I knew how to fix it several years ago when I last used Blockbench and MCreator, but I've long since forgotten how to. I've tried several combinations of arrangements so far.