Keep at it k !

I think you'll have room to get the wrench on the nut once the center bearing is loose. And according to others, you should have enough room to get the front half off.
Maybe tap/pry it back a little -
I never bothered b/c mine was loose from rear by that time.

And sorry 'bout the shop comment - I keep threatening myself with that, but haven't done it in years. Besides, you don't want people who don't know that car working on it. Been there, done that.