I finally found a Dexter 'how to' print out. It says, as Walker suggested, to apply a light coating of anti-seize lubricant to the spindle. Sure glad I posted this and followed my gut.
I got two bearings pressed in today. I wanted to keep the old bearings but they managed to wreak them. I asked them to try and save at least one tomorrow for a spare. I do have a complete hub with bearing as a spare anyway so its not that important. I'm a spare parts nut.