Hi mguillory ,

So ..... it sounds like you have removed the cylinder

If so, then there should be no detectable up & down rod movement, and about 2mm or less side to side "rocking" movement on the small end of the rod itself.

The piston however can slide right and left quite a bit ... there's no spec for this particular free play.

If you're not hearing excessive piston noise while it's running, then everything sounds good to go, (based on your description).

If you are still concerned, you can post a clip of it running, so we can listen to it.

.