On the subject of a very un-aligned, leaning-to-the-right, somewhat shakey and noisey front end (with hideous tire-wear to show for it):
Both front wheels have some lateral play, one more than the other. The rack shows a little bit of leakiness, last I checked, though I am no expert, and all that could be caked on mud from god knows when. Am wondering if a tie rod end replacement would do the trick rather than a whole new refurb rack (which I presume comes with the tie rod ends anyways?). The struts are worn, and I plan on replacing/resetting the wheel bearings at around the same time, due to longitudinal play on the right side). Ball joints will be checked, though I bet they've been loosened in these last 30,000 miles of overall looseness. Pretty sure someone way back when replaced the control arm bushings, though I'll have to check the records on that one as well.

Oh yeah, and the boot on the loosest tie rod (nearest the rack) has been torn since the Bush administration - meaning the rack probably IS getting nasty.

>>SO THE QUESTION IS: how do you know when it's the rack and not these other more easily replaceable parts? And do loose ball joints and their bushings contribute to bad alignment, or funny high-speed road noises?

p.s. it's nothing to do with the tires, as fresh rotations soon are left worn.

Sorry about my ignorance. Any and all quick insights are appreciated! thank you almighty BrickBoard!