1994 Corolla Front Axle Loose

I have a '94 Corolla, 1.8L, 5-speed manual, w/out anti-lock brakes. I replaced the left half-axle and transmission seal. The new axle seems to be loose as there is side-side/up-down play where the axle snaps into the transmission. I have already returned the old axle for its core value so I can't compare the old vs. The new. I have taken the new axle back to the parts store to compare it against another axle. While removing the old axle I don't remember it being loose. And I think I would have remembered. Anyway, the car drives fine with no noise. I'm just afraid it isn't right and I'll end up trashing the new seal or worse yet something in the transmission. Has anyone ever run into a similar problem? Thanks!