Passenger axle problem

My passenger side axle of my 93 Integra has 1/4-1/2 inches of vertical play where the inboard goes into the transaxle.
Is it likely that it’s just a bad axle(it seems like it may be too short), or is it more likely that the trans is damaged.
I was told that the final drive may be damaged.
I just moved across country so money is really tight. I hope that it is something small and inexpensive, but knowing my luck I’ll have to source a new trans soon.
Thoughts on the issue?

1/4 to 1/2 in of play isn’t good. Have you noticed any shaking under accel ?

Yes. That is what lead me to believe that the axle needed to be changed. There is a significant shake from 15-30mph, then it’s ok.
I thought the half shaft was the problem at first. It was grinding(had a bad bearing). When I got under the car to replace the half shaft I noticed how much play there was with the passenger side axle. I hope the trans isn’t damaged.

Trust me the trans can take a beating. I would change the axle and since your there change out the trans seal too.