450 HLR input shaft

[Mike B]

I have pulled engine and bellhousing to fix oil leak at trans pump. When I removed trans pump I noticed input shaft has about 3/8 inch side to side and up and down play. Parts schematic shows a ball bearing on shaft that I suspect is bad. When I drained trans oil I found a piece of ball bearing cage in bottom of case. Manual shows that front cover and top cover have to be removed to get to input shaft for removal. Anything to watch for or suggestions on removing input shaft?