i know this has been discussed but dambed if i can find it .
is there normally more fore and aft play in the drivers' side wheel? the caliper stays put and doesn't seem to be rocking but i can rotate the wheel a bit while the car is down and in first . this rocks the car fore and aft. seems like it could be normal for the dif. but it 's more than say a rear wheel drive . the passenger side doesn't move a bit .
also in short ,just creeping along braking . you know just like when checking peddle, the drivers side feels abrupt and grabby loike it's not solid . anything to look for

 

Just checked on my car, 1st gear no hand brake, the car rocks fore and aft about 3"..... from both side! could it be drive shaft?

 

Just re re-read you post . Did you have hand brake on? If so it could be some bushing in suspention componant, swin arm, A arm, etc. With car on jack anything moving?

 

Sounds like a bad front control arm bushing (at the rear of the control arm).
They wear out way before the tie rod ends and ball joints.

 

thx guys i'll look at the bushings . hand brake was likely on as it is a habit i've got . 3" is about right . the pothole demon did visit that side when new .