Welcome to the forum dmenefee, I am sure we all look forward to your inputs. Could you please put some info about yourself in your signature & a location.

herring, no one is going to be that bold as to if your front end is safe based on a few comments on here. If my car was clunking when turning the wheel & vibrating on corners, I would have a close look at the front end quick. Based on that inspection, a decision on what needs to be done and how soon could be made. If you are going to have a mechanic do the work for you, best let him have a look, & give you a quote. He will probably give you an indication, based on the inspection, of how urgent the repairs are. I would never base a decision on the safety of a car on the basis of what I was told over the internet.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving