you are correct, it was post install, but i never actually completed the hub switch out (just got too late and i didnt want to have any other issues that late)
i still get to do the swap out this weekend. it's nice to learn all sorts of new things on my car, this thread was suber helpful, thanks to all
EDIT: wailed on the 4-14mm bolts for way too long last night and only proceeded to remove 2, even with pb blaster and liquid wrench. I had car up on jacks as high as they would go, still couldn't get into the cramped space easily, with big breaker bar. air tools make a huge difference, I officially admitted defeat and had it towed to a local shop who knocked it out in an hour. I hate not finishing but didn't see the point in buying air tools just for this ~$300-400 entry level.
thanks again to all for this write up, I just was defeated by doing it with handtools alone.