I'm no mechanic (so i really don't know how I end up working on the nasty dirty greasy beasts so often, but I guess that's another topic) but when i was rebuilding my JEEP engine (note the pride) I know that the rods didn't have any slop. Every other working engine I have had the great pleasure to work around (note the sarcasm) the con rod bearings sure as heck didn't have any play you shouldnt feel any play if everything is close to tolerances.

As for checking the main bearings, I can't say that i know any quick ways to do that short of taking one off and using a little plastigage.

I guess, in short, coming from a complete amateur who simply wants to help a fellow yota owner out, if there is play down there, it can't be good.

I freely admit that i may be wrong and welcome any correction that anyone might give.

-frozen