The elevator freeplay check on the 737 classic and 737 next gen looks almost the same in the manuals, even the freeplay limits are the same. But be aware that when you do this check on the next gen, you read the manual very carefully. On the next gen, when you have to push down on the elevator, you must first release it, and then make a mark for the freeplay. In all other cases you make a mark while pushing it up or down.
For 737 classic see amm 27-09-91 page 601 ff.
For 737 next gen see task 27-31-32-200-804.
See picture below for clarification.
