Never mind. Just figured it out.

I was having an attack of dopiness. At least I wasn't the only one stumped.
My roommate, who is much better at these things than I am, looked at it and
he couldn't figure it out either.

Sorry for the interruption. Continue on.

>From: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Wheel Bearing Thrust Washer
>Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 12:25:59 -0700
>
>Howdy All,
>
>I'm in the middle of installing a new set of South Africa brakes and
>renewing my front wheel bearings and seals.
>
>I am currently at the point of installing the first hub on to the spindle.
>I
>am using the same thrust washer that came off that spindle. The thrust
>washer has a tab that fits into one of two grooves in the spindle. The
>thrust washer is in perfect condition. It is not bent or damaged. I even
>have a brand new trust washer and with both the old and new washers I'm
>having the following problem:
>
>After I place the outer wheel bearing on the spindle I try to place the
>thrust washer on and then the axle nut. The thrust washer, however, will
>not
>go on to the spindle far enough for me to put the axle nut on. This is
>because the groove in the spindle (which the tab on the thrust washer fits
>into) tapers to a smaller size and does not allow the thrust washer to go
>on
>any further. This is the same thrust washer that I removed from this very
>spindle.
>
>What should I do? Do I need to put a socket over the thrust washer and tap
>it on with a hammer just far enough for the axle nut to begin to thread
>onto
>the spindle? While it seems that this may work, it just doesn't seem to be
>right.
>
>Any and all help is appreciated.
>
>Cheers,
>Bruce
>motorbruce@hotmail.com