First, thanks for all the responses. Much appreciated.

I'll try to fill in some of the blanks that have cropped up in your responses.

-The 'hack' method I was referring to was what Mark described: driving out the stud and rotating the strut mount plate (meaning to use 'hack' in the sense of 'workaround' as opposed to 'slipshod')
-Rear springs are new. Rear springs and shocks got replaced at the same time, 'cause it was a little droopy in the rear. Ride height is the same side to side.
-To my knowledge the car hasn't hit a curb hard or similar abuse. The alignment shop said they couldn't see anything obvious that would indicate a failed/damaged component.
-Yes, I probably did take my car to the wrong garage - it's actually a place my mechanic has used on occasion, and hasn't had problems with prior to this - branch of a local tire chain here in Vancouver, its chief attribute being that it's a half block away from the mechanic.
-Don't know what equipment they used, nor what the alignment readings were.
-Rims don't appear to be damaged, tire wear appears even.
-All the bushings should be identical - it was the IPD replacement rubber bushing kit

Based on your suggestions, I'll swap the front tires, check/replace the wheel bearings, ball joints/tie rods and report back after the holidays.


Bruce