'87 Prelude Alternator - stuck

I'm replacing the alternator in my '87 Prelude (1.8 L, dual carburetor). the alternator is near the firewall, beneath the master cylinder. Got the belt off, disconnected the wiring, removed the mounting bolts.... can't get the alternator out of the engine compartment..... don't have room to pull it our from the above or below. Manual says to remove the air filter which we did. Even removed the oil filter. Still won't slide out..... after several hours of trying, ended up putting it back in and having a beer(s). Someone mentioned we need to drop the axle. Is this right? Is this difficult?

not positive...but I'm pretty sure you have to drop the axle. I did one on an 86 accord and I had to drop the axle. I bet an 87 prelude is the same way. It changes in the 88 when they moved the alternator to the front top of the engine...thank gosh cuz I've pulled my alternator in my 88 about 5 or 6 times.