If you push/ pull in your hand you need to hold it vertically and right side up for an accurate test due to air bubbles inside.   An easier way is to use your body weight with your knee on the end of each bumper corner to get it bouncing, and then stop and watch what it does.  It should only go up or down once before a properly-working shock absorber will stop the movements.  Test each corner this way to determine the condition of each shock.

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> On Mar 13, 2014, at 19:24, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I'd say if you "think you might need them" because your van is nosediving
> when you brake, you probably do need them.  You can take one off (not
> terribly hard to do) and push/pull it in your hands...a worn one is easy to
> move a good one resists quick movement.  Decent shocks can be bought for
> +/- $30 from any N A P A store...I been running some on my daily driver for
> 40k miles now and they are still doing a great job.  Monroe..?,,
>> On Mar 13, 2014 3:03 PM, "Eric Ley" <eric_ley@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> It is easy to test shocks if you have a laser temp gauge take the van for a
>> 5 min drive point it at the shocks if they are not warm they are not
>> working
>> anymore.
>> 
>> Eric Ley
>> Garage Mechanic ELM
>> 2001 Demers Franklin, Qc
>> 1985 Whitey VW 1.9 Man
>> 1985 Goldilocks subi power Auto
>> 
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>>