Dana 44 Axle Shaft Install Issue

[Doodiebrown]

Working on 74 resto project, purchased from PO as a project in early stages (from years past) so came with some obvious progress/ideas but also some unknown details hence my current situation. As I began preparations for front disc brake upgrade, i installed what appeared to be rebuilt or new axle shafts (still taped up from being painted) when the spindles would not fit inside the knuckle i realized the outer slinger was in contact with the spindle "nuts" inside the knuckle kicking the axle up at an angle, you can force it around to get behind it but it is then too low.

First thought - noticed small gap (1/16-1/8) at inner slinger that might alleviate the issue - should slinger be flush with axle tube? Or is it already mated against shoulder, regardless feels like shaft is bottomed out. Measured 16 1/2" from end of inner shaft to inside face of slinger, which is also what i measured in tube. Also measured from center of U joints to end of shafts and appears to be correct to OEM from what i found online

Checked OD of outside slinger, around 3.3xx" which appears to be correct OEM

PO did mention and had parts for GM brake conversion - possible that would change some parts? Driver side shaft says Spicer 36439 (pictures of passenger side for visual reference) - i cant find any reference if that is correct or not

Not sure what to do next

Also while im asking for help - when i get to the brakes - large wheel hub retaining ring required (some videos show it others dont)? If so, size or parts # reference? Hubs had already been stripped down by PO