Usually if there is an issue, you check the end play? It was not mentioned? Now it makes sense Steve, thanks. About the side to side though, there should be a tolerance on how far it slides in and out, this does keep your rod centered in the bore. I have a 99 book to reference, and like I thought, there is no number for how much you can actually pull the crank in and out of the engine. Usually the collar on the drive gear, at the other end, when torqued properly, keeps it centered and tight. If yours moves enough to see, I would be concerned. The spec on adjusting it to center is not mentioned also, I take that as no play is good. Are there signs of seepage around the left crank seal? Putting on a fly wheel weight usually means you are after more bottom end? When a motor wears out of spec, the bottom end power goes first. I do not believe it is a flat tire.