How much play in front suspension is normal?

[clbanman]

I have what I suspect is abnormal play in the front end of my car.  I checked play at the rubber bushings on the front control arms, but don't know what is normal/acceptable.  There is no visual damage to the bushings - i.e. missing rubber, obvious breaks, but when I put a pry bar between the rear of the control arm and the anti-roll bar, I could move the control arm around over 1/4 inch, which I think is excessive.  Can anyone confirm what is normal and acceptable?

[the caveman]

If you are talking about the horizontal bushings at the rear of the tables then taking a pry bar  between the table and subframe ,you should be able to move the table ,but without excessive pressure ,not be able to make the table "knock " against the subframe. If it's the front bushings, they should be pretty tight, no more than some slight play.

[clbanman]

Yes, I am talking about the rear bushings on the front lower control arms.   I can move the control arm both vertically and horizontally with reference to the ground. 

[the caveman]

If you can move them just by rocking them by hand, they are toast. If it takes a good size pry bar or big screwdriver, then some play is okay. With a prybar, generally you shouldn't be able to move them enough to touch the top or bottom of the subframe when it sits in.