Is it possible to drive a car 50 miles with a bad lower control arm

Makes me think you have a sticking brake caliper or clogged brake line. Our Dodge vans use to do it frequently.

The brake pad drags just enough to get hot, then when you apply the brakes it sounds horrible and vibrates because the disc is hot.

Drive some and see if you can smell or feel one side getting too warm.

Otherwise might be in the suspension.