When I've been able to take the amazon out a few times recently, I've noticed that the steering feels much "spongier" than I've ever noticed before. The feeling is a bit like that "bowling ball" feel that's associated with bad ball joints, but I can't feel any play in the front wheels when I have them up on jacks.

Is there a fool-proof way to check the ball joint condition?
Is there another likely reason that the car would suddenly handle so strangely?

I've not been putting many miles on her since the weather got poor and my carbs began behaving so badly. The poor handling seems to have appeared rather suddenly.

My rear end bushings *are* worn and need to be replaced as well as the rear end bearings (see my other posts on that). Could one of those two issues be affecting my handling?