With only 1/2 inch of play at rear of drive ,you may not have a gimbal issue . Have someone in the boat watching steering arm while you shake the 1/2" of slop .Small amount of play at steering actuator is normal . Any play between arm and gimbal ring is not

im in Lombard and could help you with this either way you decide to go im doing a j&r fix on one today lol I have done a few and it is a sound repair and will save some $ and downtime if its a midseason repair Pm me if youd like Dave