I doubt that the front locker is the problem with the excessive play in your front axle.

It sounds like the inner spindle bearing (not the wheel bearings)may be shot -- that's the needle bearing that's between the axle shaft (the stub axle part of it) and the inside of the spindle.

Half an inch is way too much play, although you may normally have a little -- never measured it, but I'd say it should be less than 1/16". On a lot of them that I've worked on, there was just enough play to get the hub retaining clips into the groove on the axle.

1977 CJ-7, fiberglass body, AMC 360 w/ headers, DUI ignition, Edelbrock intake and Holley 4150 carb, TF999, Dana 300, 4.56 gears lockers, York air comp, 4" susp lift, 2" body lift, BFG 35" M-T tires, Megashifter, AGR pump & box, REP8000 winch.