yes i have done it and actually you have to do it if you abuse in driving on off road terrain actually.
moreover another cause of this play is because of damaged front suspension bushes.... check'em out as well..
same problem was in my rig but it was fixed after alignment of front wheels and then replacement of suspension bushes..
I would again insist for a carb swap with super carry.. beleive me this black smoke issue will be vanished and you'll love the pickup and smooth drive without any missings... get the chinese in 2600Rs. and check it out... but make sure that you keep the all exhaust, in / out pipes on stock places in oil bath...
You know better than me on this...