the bearing support (the big bracket thing) on the intermediate shaft, should it have play in it, is that normal? also the c clip on it where the axle clips into it, does that need to be replaced it if it looks fine?

 

if you mean side to side play thats a no. it should only go around. the clip should be fine unless broken, visable gashes, or bent

 

It has like 3/4 cms worth of play in from side to side, so it should VERY stable and just allow it to rotate?