Thank you again for your help. I'll try the alternate method you described.

The problem is related to the distance not closing in my opinion - this stud was already in the knuckle. As stated, I have done the LCA replacement procedure and the whole predicament is related to the later pinch bolt replacement. A simple 5 minute job that turned into this nightmare.

I could put a breaker through the spring perch, however now I have a compressor installed. Putting anything through the perch means I have to get rid of that compressor. The method you suggested is probably a better safety alternative tho.