How Much Play Is O.K - transmission shaft

[Fitz98]

I have taken out the transfer case from my 98 Expedition 5.4 4x4. I am doing a rebuild to chase an intermittent grinding noise coming from the transfer case.
While it is out, I was looking at the transmission shaft on my 4R100 transmission. There is about 1/8" of vertical play, and some front to back play as well.
Does this seem like a normal tolerance and is held in place with the transfer case shaft bearings when the transfer case is bolted to the transmission, or does this sound like bearing failure in the transmission itself?

 

[George7941]

The vertical play is normal. As you mentioned, the transfer case helps support the transmission output shaft.

I am going by my experience with my Sierra transmission. I had to pull it off a couple of years ago because I broke the bleeder fitting on the clutch slave and I was concerned at the amount of play on the transmission input shaft. I checked with a retired mechanic friend of mine and he assured me that the play was normal because the pilot bearing in the flywheel supports the front end of the shaft.

Front to back play I don't know.