8-3/4 Auburn sure grip axle issue

If you have a stock A-body housing and stock 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern drum brakes, the axles must measure 28" straight, not at an angle (axle flange to end of spline).

I'm definitely not getting 28" flange to spline end. I'll need to recheck tomorrow, but my quick measurement was 27.75" (verified stock a body housing length, and it's using stock 5x4.5 10" 2.5 wide drums)

Unfortunately I bought the car with lots of work already done, and I'm cleaning up the mess.

Will a diff with a more traditional side gear setup work with my axle length? I might have to move up my truetrac purchase is so.