Hello list
Maybe this is a stupid question but how do you check the shocks?

I know mine are really old. the back (iirc) are Gabriel brand ones, can not recall the front. 

If I stop really hard, I get incredible nose dive. The rebound is not bad. Maybe half a bounce to settle back but the travel seems much.

I think the back is soft but I can not tell like you would in a smaller vehicle. Meaning there is much to push back there the measure rebound. 

I like to bring the stance of the van's huge wheel gap provided by the 85 gl springs a little closer to earth with carat springs and other shocks. 

How do others test for appropriate shock function?

Thanks
T.