Wheel problem

When i got my free 90 lx sedan, i noticied the drivers side wheel (while driving) felt like it was bouncing up and down or wobbling. The steering wheel would rock back and forth pretty harsh. So the other day I put some new rims a buddy had and drove the car agian, same thing. So doing this, it eliminates the problem being the rim. I also noticied that I the cv boot towards the hub was cracked open and when I put my hand on the axle, It had some freeplay in it. So what should I be looking at here? Need some advice!

Is the boot busted? If so, replace your axle. Does it always vibrate or just when you hit the brakes?

if there is free play up and down then your axle isnt sitting centered and itll shake the whole car, those axles are heavy. The drivers side axle on these things are also quite long and can generate some serious leverage on the car if they arent perfect.

could it possibly be your wheel bearing?

If it is, you sure as hell should hear it. And the car is probably pulling like a bitch.