The yoke-bearings will correct the end-shake.
I have swapped yokes among "model families" before and it can be a coin-flip. Sometimes...they fall right in and it all works out. On the other hand, I have purchased new yokes for a conversion and found them unusable. I have not been there and don't know how the factory does it, but have been told the final assembly involves "picking out" a yoke that will work with the particular frame and cylinder. Smith will not (or does not want to) sell you a yoke and they specify that it must be factory fit to achieve the proper BTCG.
Stretching the yoke-tube is also fairly routine, but it takes the proper tool and know-how to do that. If you use the bearings, it is also a good idea to "polish" the inner base of the cylinder to remove the ridge cut by the hollow yoke-tube. Installing the end-shake shims will only be a temporary fix, but they are not that expensive and can easily be changed.
The length of the yoke-rod (shaft that is attached inside the frame) varies and they manufacture them in various lengths to match the cylinder and frame. The mounting rod cannot be machined or turned in a lathe once the yoke-tube is crimped into place on the crane. It either fits or it doesn't.
