I did mine last week with some extended studs, and I did have to remove my hub, but to remove the hub from the spindle, you have to press it out, and therefore need to pull the spindle and take it to a press, which is why you have to pull the tie rod ends, lower ball joints, and upper ball joints. I've heard of grinding down the corner of the back of the stud to make it slide out without removing the hub, but never tried it personally