Front Suspension Rattling / Feels Loose

[TheAustinator]

'01 Marquis, 120,000miles

I'm talking about over bumps, any sort of bouncing, it feels like the entire suspensions is just bouncing around, about to loose something at any moment. You hear it, but you can also feel it. Nothing else to really explain.
It all started after a trip north, and if anybody has ever experienced or even seen pictures of Michigan roads, you know exactly what I'm talking about... suspension torture.

I replaced the Sway Bar Links before this began to stop some clunking noise, so that can't be it, they're brand new.
About to replace all 4 Tie Rods, and both Adjusting Sleeves, cause they're too rusty to do any sort of alignment, but I'm pretty sure that's not the cause.
The ball joints seem fines, they're only 2/3 years old anyways.

The only logical explanation would be some Control Arm Bushings, but I need some opinions before I dish any money out, help would be appreciated.

[johnunit]

control arm bushings are quite likely. Shocks could be blown at that mileage too. If they're rusty enough that they could be original, or are leaking, replace them.

I see a lot of panthers and similar design front ends come in with multiple problems. Heck, it's not unusual at that mileage for literally everything to have unacceptable play, from steering gear all the way on out.

I'd also re-check the balljoints and anything else you may have replaced. It may be new, but it's getting harder and harder to avoid cheap chinese crap. Early failure does happen, and a defective ball joint is expensive when it goes pop on the road.

[IPreferDIY]

Considering the age and mileage of your car, and the fact that you've already replaced ball joints, I'm figuring bushings at the least. I'm still recovering from doing all that sort of thing within the past couple of months. Here's some links where I've discussed my experiences:

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?51153-Creaking-squealy-grating-sound-coming-from-front-underneath-car

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?50937-Looking-at-control-arms-on-Rock-Auto-How-do-I-know-if-I-have-a-handling-package

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?51161-Corroded-Stabilizer-Bar-How-Bad-Is-It

There's a nice write-up about body mount bushing problems here:

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?51180-Suspension-suggestions-to-reduce-body-roll

For good measure, here's a link with respect to checking your Pitman arm and idler arm while you're at it:

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?51190-Power-steering-problem-or-alternator-problem

I know this is like being assigned lots of homework, especially when only a part of a particular thread might be pertinent, but I'm lazy

[Piece-it pete]

Did you check the shocks, are they attached at both ends, are the top bushings OK? Just thinking out loud.

Pete

[IPreferDIY]

I don't know how far into it you might be willing to go before considering junking the car, but you might want to give some thought to the ass end too. Here's another link:

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?2593-Sloppy-rear-end

[TheAustinator]

Forgot to add: the shocks are new, I had some issues with them bouncing around, but I threw in a few nuts and washers to make sure they held in place, but that was a couple months ago.

[gadget73]

The Ford method with regards to ball joint replacement is to do the whole arm. Logic being that if the ball joints are done, the bushings are too. I'd be looking at the bushings, and the upper and lower ball joints again. Ball joints should be OK, but its worth confirming there are no problems. Also look at the idler arm and pitman arm. They're probably worn out by this point.