Outer bearing replacements don’t seem to fit

[TrapHavoc]

Hey everyone!  I’ve got a ‘97 4WD, and I’m replacing the front bearings.  I’m having an issue with the outer bearings not seeming to fit back onto the spindle, they barely get past the threads and get stuck.  I’m following atraudes guide on nicoclub, and it’s been fantastic but they say there should be about a half inch of threads exposed when putting the outer bearings on.  I measured the new ones and they’re the same inside width as the old.  I’m hoping not to hammer on the bearings to get them in.  Any advice?  This is my first time doing a job like this.

[TrapHavoc]

I realize I've posted this in the wrong forum topics, I'll change that.  Not sure how to delete a thread though