There will be some play. Excessive play would have to be addressed (possibly the bronze bushing is worn).
It is spring-loaded into the transaxle and I don't see how anything could get damaged in the geartrain by prying out on the joint.
Replace the seal and bushing (if needed) and inspect the CV joint shaft where it contacts the seal for burrs or grooves.
The extension housing that the joint plugs into has a bronze bushing that may be worn and creating side-to-side slop.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ7/32066/05292.oap?year=1999&make=Dodge&model=Stratus&vi=1354317&ck=Search_C0073_1354317_-1&pt=C0073&ppt=C0338
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ7/12070/03236.oap?year=1999&make=Dodge&model=Stratus&vi=1354317&ck=Search_03236_1354317_-1&pt=03236&ppt=C0071
It is spring-loaded into the transaxle and I don't see how anything could get damaged in the geartrain by prying out on the joint.
Replace the seal and bushing (if needed) and inspect the CV joint shaft where it contacts the seal for burrs or grooves.
The extension housing that the joint plugs into has a bronze bushing that may be worn and creating side-to-side slop.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ7/32066/05292.oap?year=1999&make=Dodge&model=Stratus&vi=1354317&ck=Search_C0073_1354317_-1&pt=C0073&ppt=C0338
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ7/12070/03236.oap?year=1999&make=Dodge&model=Stratus&vi=1354317&ck=Search_03236_1354317_-1&pt=03236&ppt=C0071
