Yes, the bolts go through the front main cap. It's designed that way so the main cap can be removed when shim-adjusting the main bearing clearance without pulling the harmonic balancer. Bite the bullet and pull the pan. Then remove the thrust washer bolts by going through the holes in the timing gear, which is what's keeping the cam from moving.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!