What would cause steering wheel play? I have had decent amount of play in the wheel for a couple years now, but def was not like that when I got the car 130k miles ago..

What are the things to check for up front?

 

Check your tie rods and tie rod ends.

 

i have a weird play when im driving fast the car wants to jerk it self and when i slow down it turns to the right..turns out its my driver side lower ball joint

 

Sounds like this may be your problem if it has progressively gotten worse over 130k miles https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/diy-how-fix-your-loose-steering-problems-3095792/