Newbie - seeking advice

For a daily driver might suggest going thru the front end. Would not bother just replacing what is worn. Front end parts at your local NAPA are very affordable so would suggest replacing it all. While you are at it if it does not have disc brakes n the front would be an ideal time. Don't just concentrate on making it go. If I had a daughter that was going to be driving one of these old clunkers I would want her to have as good of brakes as possible....and at the very least if the front end is tight it will not be as spooky to drive for a first timer.