Should there be any play in the yoke after tightening down the pinion nut or should it be tight by hand so no left or right play and should the pinion be straight and sturdy or would it have any play in it like up and down

 

The slip yoke should have play in it. It moves when your rear end suspension is engaged. You can also grease the inside of it to limit any "clunk" you might get.

 

should be tight other than feeling gear lash if grabbing close to pinnion.