There is a way to check. Frist roughly center the gearbox. Remove the 12mm bolt on the case buy the pitman shaft, install the center lock tool and slightly move the wheel back and forth. This may sound simple, but done incorrectly will damage the gearbox if turned to far and the locking tool is broken off in the box. Also the piston will be moving the reaction valve in the box, so it is a judgement call on what is valve movement and what is play. If you do a advanced search for threads I've posted as, "thegearboxguy" there's one that may help you. If you have any question feel free to call 702.734.8090

Chris