It sounds more like galled threads than cross threading. On a fine thread bolt, it cannot cross thread once the thread is engaged more than one full turn so if it went on correctly for 1/3 of the travel, it just is not possible for the nut to cant against the axle enough to mangle the threads.
When I change mine, I leave the nut in place and tightened by the pinch bolts; when I re install the axle it is aligned before it ever gets to the nut on the far side. So far I have not had any reason to remove the nut on the left side of the axle other than to coat it with anti- seize the first time I removed the front wheel.
Brian
I've changed every tire on my 08 and after 79,000 miles that has to be at least 10 fronts without any problems so how the heck did I manage to cross thread my front axle bolt this time?
Exactly as I have always done, I re-installed the axle after removing the wheel for tire work so I could put a jack stand under it. But it only wanted to turn in about a 3rd of the way. I knew better than to force it and turned it back out. I was able to clean up the buggered threads and the wheel is back on and the axle fully torqued with about 2/3rd of the threads intact. With the pinch bolts properly torqued I do not belive this is a safety issue but I have a new bolt ordered anyway. $30.00 plus shipping.