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They make select fit clips to take up that play. Tom's Differentials has them.
Rubie's all over it.
From the manual.
"If a new yoke shaft is being installed, yoke shaft end play should be checked. Correct end play is .1145 mm +/- .1015 mm (.0045 in. +/- .004 in.) End play is adjusted by varying the snap ring thickness."
I'm not sure how much you should be concerned about your end play unless it's way out of spec.
If it was correct when assembled (many don't bother) then likely there's a situation in the clutch pack. I don't know if this is a 36 or a 44 but it might not be surprising to find issues in the pinions, the washers and the clutch pack. If the rebuild 2 years ago didn't include a clutch pack ...well?