96 Cavalier.  90,000.

When I grab the front tire at the three and nine o'clock position and
force back and forth there is a little play. Hard to tell but maybe
half an inch at the very most.  Not a sloppy slap back and forth but
definite movement.  It does not originate from either the outer tie
rod or lower ball joint.  Check and there's absolutely no movment
there.  It's coming from beyond the rubber boot.

Same thing on the other side.  Think it's not quite so bad over there,
but they are so very close its hard to tell.

Question is is this acceptable, having this little bit of play?  Or it
a sign that there's something up with the inner tie rod or rack?  And
is it dangerous to be driving it this way?