Front CV shaft play

I noticed a clicking noise from the front axle shaft for awhile. I jacked my taco up on the lower a arm and started to play around to see what was making the noise. All the CV rubber boots were intact and no oil present. Rotating the left wheel was a clicking sound.

I did find when I grab the axle at the diff end of the shaft there is a lot of play up and down at that end. Not sure if it is the CV shaft it self or a bearing on the diff ? I don't know much on the drive train parts on my Tacoma and have read about the CV shaft problems and troubleshooting. There was mention of needle bearings in the diff and I'm thinking that might be the trouble, not the CV shaft itself ? It makes sense why there is play right at the diff end ?

There's no play when I hold the CV shaft and rotate the wheel. It's like the shaft is not supported firmly at the diff case. I don't want to be changing parts if If I don't have to. I have never beat on my Taco and drive like an old man ( I'm 67 ). Hope this makes sense to you all. Joe USN,ret.