I'm installing my new wheels and the dust cap sticks out just far enough to prevent my center caps from going on all the way. Can I hit the dust caps in with a hammer (just a little bit) or do I need to increase my spacer size?

 

You can do either or which ever you prefer
Try tapping it a bit fairly common issue with front hub

 

Awesome, thanks! I will take care of that later today. Now I only have to figure out a mysterious noise from the front end....

 

If you're going to dent it in some, ENSURE that there is no metal to metal contact. You do not want to produce metal shavings that will get into and kill your bearings. Be especially careful that the cotter pin cannot slide around and come into contact with anything. Otherwise, no worries.

 

Lol reading your post I can see some one getting biggest hammer and going to town lol

Yea just need to tap it if not comfortable remove dust cap and do it that way

It bends fairly easy

 

I was just about to ask, would it be better to remove the cap and do it then, to avoid metal shavings as naf said? If so, does the cap just pry off with a screwdriver?

 

I never had issues you have to really bang on the dust cap pretty hard to cause that

If you dont feel comfortable just remove it

 

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???

 

Sorry I'm so late posting this, but shortly after I started this thread I got them to fit. I took an old Craftsman screwdriver and put the handle on the dust cap, gave it a few taps in a circle, and the caps popped right on. Thanks for the advice all!

 

An easy way is to put a washer inside the dust cover about the size of a nickel.
Install the cover, then tap it in until it stops. Then remove the washer & reassemble. The thickness of the washer will provide clearance so the dust cover will not contact the spindle.