Car handling like crap, pointers on where to start?

[p_ballermatt98]

Recently I've noticed my pro is "laggy" in response to cornering. It feels more like a big ol' boat rather than the nimble responsive car I fell in love with. Currently it is my wife's DD so I don't know exactly how long this has been going on or under what conditions it lost it's handling but I really don't like it. I don't have much time to mess around with it since it's our only car so as much info I can get prior to putting on the lift would be incredibly helpful. Suspension is without a doubt my weak point so bear with me, I'm trying to study up since I'm due for some new parts (219k on it so far) and am over due for some one-on-one with my protege.
Thanks everyone.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Check:
Shocks
Bushings
Sway bar end links (goes with bushings)

 

[concept]

+ you don't have to jack up your car to check the shocks; just bounce a corner. Chances are, though that there are some worn bushings adding to the sloppy handling.

 

[tweety2300]

I notices this a few weeks ago. Aparently front and rear end links decided to break at the same time. Def check those

 

[p_ballermatt98]

Endlinks looked good, just a little dirty. I will probably end up replacing them with the Escape endlinks just because I'll have to replace the control arms. The bushings looked bad and, from what info I gathered here, can't be purchased separately. I do have one concern. The front passenger sway bar? (what the bottom of the endlink is attached to) seems loose. I was able to move it with my hand, the drivers side did not do this and thats what caused me to question it. Shocks definitely need replaced all around, they are all origional and have some high mileage on them.
OT but where in VA are you at tweety?

 

[tweety2300]

The top of the end link attaches to the strut bottom attatches to the sway bar, is it the end link or swaybar that moves?

I live in staunton

 

[p_ballermatt98]

its the sway bar itself that moves, I have to jerk it with some force but it does move. i have since learned that one of the studs has come loose and I can't get the lug nut off anybody have any experience fixing that?