Do I need new shocks?

[V8FORD EXPLORER]

How can I tell if I need new shocks.What, if any, tests(visual or other) are done to determine if new shocks are needed?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

If you push on the bumper and the vehicle 'bounces'
rather than returns to ride height and stops, then the
shocks are bad. Also if there's any sign of dampness
where the shock has been leaking oil.

However, shocks are a wear item, and they wear out
gradually and the ride degrades slowly. I just replaced
the front shocks on mine at 60K miles, and the new
ones made a big difference in the ride and handling.
The old ones were still working, but they were getting
tired...

 

[SoNic67]

When I bought my Explorer (with 80K miles) on highway (the ride home) I could see the front bouncing several times after passing over bumps/expansion joints on overpasses.
On curves it was leaning (vertically) left-right several times before stabilizing, and the rear-end felt 'loose' (don't have a better word) - it was swaying (horizontally) left-right in a tight curve.
The original owner got used to that and didn't think he needed shocks, but for me it was obvious.
Once pulled them out, they had almost no resistance when pushed by hand... all five of them. Rears where very rusted too.

 

[01STrunner]

If you drive over expansion joints in bridges or if you find a speed bump and the truck bounces more than a couple times then you need new shocks. You wouldn't believe the world of difference new shocks make. You'll have a smoother ride and a lot less body roll than worn out shocks.

 

[koda2000]

if you've got over 60k on the original shocks, you probably need new ones. get decent ones. I like KYB Gas Adjusts (around $30 a piece) and you'll need 5 of them. there are other decent brands, different people have different preferences, but plan on spending somewhere around $30 per shock.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Bounce tests don't always give a good answer. My '95, and '97 had no bounce at all and the shocks were completely gone- 160,000, 150,000 miles respectively- and no bounce at all on the stock shocks. Push down, it came up and stopped.

Like koda said- if you have over 60k on them, put on some new ones.