I tried pulling the lock plate today with a POS Bowerbuilt tool I got from Kragen -- I tightned to the wing to to the point where the lock plate was down about 4mm? THe stupid wingnut they gave me broke, so I'll have to head to Home Despot to pick up another nut, but my question is this -- how far down did you get the plate depressed, and are there any noticeable signs so you know you're done?

 

You just depress it far enough that you can remove that snap ring from the shaft.

 

Shaft ring! I see. Thanks Trickster.

 

I did it in a low light condition, so I didn't see the stupid C-ring. It was a PITA to pry out and get back in later, but it did the job. Thanks, Trickster.