Side to side movement is normal on a rod. The clearance between the rod & crank are whats important. Get some plasta- gauge & measure it. I believe 1-2 thousands is normal.If the crank is smooth you can replace the rod with a rebuilt one. On some cylinders & I think #1 is one of them you can remove the rod without pulling the head. Pullthe piton down till the wristpin is just below the bottom of the cyl. Loosen the clampbolt & slide the pin out far enough to remove the rod.
