4wd Wheel Bearing Lock Washer Stuck!

[CJM72]

Hi Guys,

Been working through some items on my new (to me) 72 Blazer, but I've run into a bit of a snag. While trying to adjust (tighten) the wheel bearing on my front axle, the lock washer on the passenger side wheel bearing adjusting nut just won't pop free. I've been using a 90 degree pick to try to pop it free, but I just can't get much leverage on it.

Anyone run into this issue before? I clearly need to clean out a little more of the old grease to get a better look, but I'm nervous to force it.

Also, should the axle shaft be super loose? I'm new to this old school stuff, but I can grab the end of the axle stub and move it around pretty freely. I don't recall the driver's side being loose at all. What do you 4x4 guys think?

For reference this is a typical 4x4 1972 blazer with a 350 and a th350. I believe the 4wd was working when I bought it, but I've had very little seat time up to this point.