Quick Change Axel clearance

I am trying and I mean TRYING to set up new axles in the quick change after being put in the wall and breaking the tube.  I had to buy an axel that was one inch shorter than the original.  I have ran the bolts out until they are touching.  (I used a paint stick to paint one of the bolts, and then checked that they are indeed touching.) I have been looking for the amount the axles will out, away from the snout, like 1/8Th inch or