Output shaft play?

[vrptstyly]

I was recently under the car looking around and I noticed some play at the output shafts on the diff side. One side a bit worse than the other.

Not at the joint but at the splined end that inserts into the differential. Quite of bit of movement by grabbing it from below and pushing/pulling.

Normal? Is there a tolerance? The differential is being replaced soon (whining), I'll inspect the spines ends of the output shaft for unusual wear but thought I'd ask the community for feedback in the meantime.

Thanks!