Alpha 1 lower unit drive shafts has play

[kramerpage]

The drive shafts has a lot of play up and down but more importantly left to right. Is this normal? Is there a way to measure this left right tolerance? I separated the drive today to get ready for paint, sea water pump replacement. Also are there other task I should be doing like the shift shaft bushing? Or leave it alone? Thank you

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Once it's assembled, the play goes away,....