How do you determine when the outer portion of the front axles are bad? More specifically, the part where the needle bearings ride.

I've got the old hub bearing assemblies off and the needle bearings were completely dry with flat spots wore in the needles. They were at a slight angle too. Who knows how long the previous owner had been driving on these with the Swampers...

I test-fitted the new assemblies and the outer axle section still has more play than I think it should when I grab the U-joint area and move it around. Does the area where the needle bearings ride bump up a little thicker than the shaft? Because mine don't...

 

Its a bearing surface it has to be nice and smooth...You should be able to see where the bearing was riding..