hey bud, i got a 97 also. for the play in the wheel, jack the front end off the ground and grab the tires on the top and bottom and see if they wiggle. and then on the sides. this will check the upper and lower control arm ball joints, and the tie-rod ends for play. depending on how bad the tranny is, you can try draining and changing the fluid and filter, add some lucas and do a band adjustment.(front and rear). Make sure you refill with the right mopar fluid. I would try this before you spend that kind of cash on a rebuild. its worth a shot. good luck and welcome to the board.