front end play

my wife has a 95 2dr blazer ls 4x4. a few years back she was in a slight fender bender and a car hit her drivers side rim. we had the front end aligned and other than a scratch on the rim the trucks been fine. i noticed recently a grinding noise in the front end at slow speeds (not using brakes) i pulled off the right side tire and found the resistance to be a little tight (spinning the wheel in place). the brake pads looked worn but not horrible and the rotor seemed fine. i noticed some excessive play in the front end when i moved the tire from left to right..about an inch to inch and a half. is this acceptable? if not what is worn? i raised the other side and had the same play and resistance while turning the tire. except on this side i hear grinding. this is the side that was hit. it got dark outside so im gonna look better tomorow. any ideas what the problem could be and what i should look for? thanks in advance

Use the search feature and look up bearing & Hub. This topic has been spoken about in detail.

That or the differential is partially engaged, get this looked at ASAP by a mechanic.