D44 Steering Arm

[BigRed76]

I didnt find much about this in the forums so this is why im asking for help. I just installed a 4 inch lift on my '76 K10 and the only thing i have left to do is change the steering arm I talked to a couple people and they said to remove the 3 nuts and beat on it with the biggest hammer i can find till it comes loose. After doing that and everything in my power it hasn't budged. I am now to the conclusion that something in still holding it on. There is what appears to be 3 washers on the arm around the studs and i tried to chisel these off but its a little difficult with the limited space around them. Are these washers whats holding this arm onto the knuckle still?

Any info on these would be really helpful!!

This picture is not of my truck I just used it as an example...