I have the same problem. Half of it for me was the control arms, and the other half were the sway bar links. 10 dollar part. It sounded like holy hell driving over a bump. I thought my front end was going to fall off and I'd have to beat my mechanic to death after I got outta the hospital. But for you, I don't even have to play sigmund freud.
"i noticed the rubber boot on the lower arm balljoint was shot" Well, I'd be looking hard at the control arms and bushings. They may not have play when you're wiggling it, but when 1000lbs wiggles it, it may not be so happy. If one piece of rubber is rotting out, odds are good that the rest are **** too.