K20 help!

[underliner6]

I need help with my 72 K20!

I replaced the upper and lower ball joints but now cannot get the threaded stud portion of the joints in the holes of the axle. When I have done half ton’s in the past, I seem to remember like I was able to install the axel shaft through the steering knuckle hole after the knuckle was mounted. The 3/4 ton Dana 44 seems to have a larger ujoint/ yoke which requires me to put the axle shaft in first and then try to work the knuckle around it and line up the ball joint studs with the axle holes which isn’t happening. The axle shaft is straight which limits my ability to work the knuckle in a way I can get the studs in.

Does anyone have any tips on what I am doing wrong here? Thanks for the help!