Replacement outer bearings 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.

[Slartibartfast]

Those shouldn't need hammering. Something ain't right. Check that the numbers on the bearings match the numbers on the box, and check that it's the right part number for the truck. I would also check that you've got the outer races driven into the hub all the way.

[TrapHavoc]

The races were all the way in, the parts were correct.  I ended up taking a soft punch and tapped it around the edges very lightly with a rubber mallet until enough thread was exposed to where I could thread the spindle nut on.  Was able to use the spindle nut to push both bearings in the rest of the way, there wasn’t much resistance so I assume it was just getting stuck on the threads trying to go in.