What you describe sounds like ball joints or control arm bushings. The up and down play you felt may be the problem. A ball joint would feel a bit like a loose wheel bearing. Jack up a wheel at the lower control arm then use a tire iron or some sort of pry bar to lift the wheel-shouldn't feel any play. Check the tie rod ends by pushing them up and down-shouldn't have any motion. Tires should wear smooth and even, look for some low spots.

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79 chevy
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