Cv axle snap ring Help

[Foursightho]

I've spent the last 3 days searching for through threads for help. So far all the tips I've seen don't address my problem. 

 

I'm replacing my cv axles and bearings. Im reassembling everything now but I can't get the stupid snap ring back on.

 

I'm confident the bearings are seated in the hub.

 

I'm stuck and can't get my cv axle shift out far enough to get my snap ring on. I've jacked the lower ball joint up but that hasn't helped. I have recheck everything and made sure their in the right order but no cigar. 

 

The replacement axle came from advance auto and im curious should i keep the old brass spacer that goes that on the original axle or can I just remove it. If I remove it I have about 3/16th of an inch space to put the snap ring on.

With it on i have less than a the width of my screw driver tip in space. The new axle did not have a spacer.

 

I have tried using vise grips to pull the axle out, tapping on the back if the axle , and using a c clamp to hold the axel tight against the hub assembly with no progress. 

 

Help!!! I really need this complete by Monday.