One of my half shafts is loose

My half shaft where it goes into the differential is considerably more loose than the one on the other side., I know that there is supposed to be some play in them but there is definitively more movement than there should be. It is not leaking yet but with how loose it is and how I can hear it rattle and clunk when I shift it around with my hand.. it makes me wonder how it is staying sealed in there and when and if it is going to start soon...

I am supposed to be going on a trip this week and will probably be doing some wheeling with it also and I don't have time to get it checked out by a mechanic before I leave, so I am just wondering how serious of a problem this could turn out to be by driving this far with it like this, not to mention offroading with it?? I do plan to bring some gear oil with me just in case it starts leaking fluid, Is there anything else I can do?

Thanks everyone

 

Driver side CV where it goes into the diff?

Totally normal. Thought mine (2002) was messed up when I noticed the play, and after doing a ton of research, I came to the conclusion that they are ALL like that.

 

Yeah mine is the same way the driver side has more play. As long as your not hearing grinding wile driving I think your fine.

 

Thanks for the help, that makes me feel a lot better