Looking at the front end, I see all visible parts of bushings cracked and dry-looking. That's the upper and lower support arms. Ball joints, one wheel has both seals split and dried-up, the other has seals intact, but far from new. Steering rod ends I see most seals broken. And I have some new Tokico shocks to put in.

BUT there really isn't much play, and what play there is seems to come from wheel bearings.

This car has spent much time sitting, first in a junkyard and then in the yard of a PO. I am looking at cost vs safety. Can those seals just be shot from old age, and the ball joints and tie rod ends themselves still be not worn out? Steering is rough, with a big fat hang-point as you turn the wheel. Coupler is old and looks beat.

I guess I just want somebody to tell me to send the 400 bucks to IPD and quit whining, but ...just thought I'd try.

I think maybe Rusty at RPR might give you better prices than IPD.
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Good point, George. I don't know if Rusty carries poly bushings, or if the OP is after them, but I have found Rusty to be very knowledgeable and fairly priced on the stuff that he carries, which is substantial.

"Just send the $400.00 bucks to IPD and quit whining." Not to be that harsh, but it sounds like it is indeed time to freshen up things up in the front of your vehicle. You won't see any money from the upgrade, but you'll be able to sleep at night knowing that you've made a sound decision in the long run. Right behind braking, steering is one of my favorite attributes a car can have.

If the seals are gone, the grease is gone, and the part won't last long. I'd be particularly concerned about the ball joints from a safety standpoint. My advice is to replace all that stuff as long as you're doing the shocks.