Transmission input shaft play

[AustinJim]

I have 78 Spitfire and the transmission input shaft (motor end) has some vertical play in it. Looking inside the case the play is where the input and output shafts join. I have not yet disassembled the shafts to examine the parts closely. I see from diagrams that there is a set of needle bearinngs there. I swear the this problem came on suddenly after I had the tranny out of the car. This leads me to believe that something has shifted and it's not the needle bearings. is there anything else that could cause this play or is it probably the needle bearings?
Thanks!

 

[DougF]

Bearings would be the first thing I would look at. Is there any other play than just vertical?

 

[AustinJim]

There doesn't seem to be any in/out play, just vertical. Which bearings do you think are probably bad?

 

[Don Elliott]

In the back of the flywheel, there is a pilot bushing to hold the front end of the input shaft central. Remove the clutch pressure plate and the lining to change this pilot bushing. Costs very little and a new one may keep the input shaft aligned better.

 

[AustinJim]

Is it possible that a little play is ok because the bushing in the flywheel will hold the shaft in place when it's mounted on the motor? I'm trying to figure out if I have a problem with this play or not. I don't have any experience with transmission work... but I'm getting some!
Thanks