X2 on going ahead and replacing the axle stub shaft studs w/ bolts.
It's amazing... that little 1" of clearance makes all te hdifference in the world. B/c i'd done this, last time I had to pull the axle, I didn't even take thr tire off.

Jujst be sure to use good Grade 8 bolts/nut. I actually use lock-nuts... but there isn't much space on the backside so they have to be low-profile.

Other major advantage to this trick is that if you ever have to drop the front differential assembly, it makesi t super-easy... just removet he 6 bolts from each side, unbolt the d/s, and loosen the 2 mounting bolts, lower her down...