Lower Control Arm Questions

I am rebuilding my front suspension and just pulled the lower control arms. The play laterally seems excessive to me (see pic). I read that this might go away when I add the boxing plates if i put a c-clamp on them. So what do you guys think about them do they just need to be pushed together I'm just worried about bending one side to much or something.
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Also, I nicked the end when removing the lower ball joint, does that look ok to you?

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