2001 lower ball joint question and driveline question

So I was looking at my driveline today. I'm trying to diagnose a weird intermittent muffled vibe/ noise. Most noticeable when I take my foot off the gas pedal. Is my driveline supposed to be flush to the transmission mount?
It looks like this...


Also, as I was looking at the drive line. I glanced over to my ball joints and they looked bent. I honestly don't know what they are supposed to look like once they are under the load of the vehicle. So maybe they are correct, but just thought I'd ask. Here's what they look like...

Driver side



Passenger side



If anyone has pics to compare that would be awesome! Or if you know if something's looks off then please let me know. Thanks

 

Anything look off to anyone?

 

Your ball joints are supposed to articulate, if there is play in them however, that would be bad. What do you mean transmission mount flush? Is it a thump noise on decel?

 

It's not really a thump but kinda like a muffled grinding sound, but its not constant either. Mainly on during deceleration but not noticeable every time. I'm thinking maybe its an early sign of wheel bearing going bad?

I can only hear and feel it when the windows are up and AC is off. Actually It is kinda like a grinding thump sound.

Do I have to have both front wheels off the the ground in order to do the ball joint and bearing tests? Or can I jack up one wheel at a time and test them out? I only have a high lift.

 

The part I was talking about is where the drive line connects to the transmission. In the picture that I have it shows the part where the driveline mates with the trans, and its not flush against the trans. Is that ok?

Here's the pic again...