1981 Nissan Patrol...shocks, steering stuff

I recently spent a few hours inthe desert and must have really bashed up a few things - easy to do with an old car. But my shocks - which are not original parts appear to be worn, the car feels l ike it crashes over bumps and holes...sound worn? And my steering feels loose, could this be a result of the worn shocks? Also the bars underneath in the front feel loose...? The rubbers that are at teh joints don't keep anything firm...suggestions or face-slappings welcome.