Cv axle play at auto transmission leading me towards trans swap

[Jeffbass]

So I was hearing some clunking when parking or leaving a spot where the wheel was turned hard. I figured it was the cv axles so I replaced both still had a lot of play it has now gotten even worse, so I have been looking into changing the transmission for a low mileage junk yard one. Was wondering if I am on the right track with a trans swap as my only good option or can the differential guts be worked on with it in the car? I have also been looking at dropping the trans and it looks like it will come straight down without removing the subframe. Has anyone had success with this? I can’t seem to find much in the way of a Yaris trans swap online and don’t really have the means to pull the engine and trans in one piece and I am also trying to keep from opening the ac system. Anyone know of a good write up, video or manual. Thanks in advance