Check backlash by grabbing the yoke with one hand and rocking the ring gear back and forth. Proper backlash is about .008 so you should feel a little slop. This check is just to ensure it’s not way out of spec due to problems. Also try to push the yoke in and out, there should defiantly be NO slop there. Look down the axle splines for visible damage (a flashlight would help, and make sure the plug is still in the center...meaning you can’t see all the way thru.
look at the carrier bearing retainers and locking clips for damage...if there is damage that’s a sign someone’s been working on it at some point,
look at the shur grip unit to make sure the pinions are properly located in the “V”’s and no damage present.