Do I need shocks/struts

I've got a '99 SR5 V-6 4x4 with only 45k. 16" stock wheels with the 75 series tires and no lift. It feels like the truck has started bouncing around over sharp small bumps and the front end bobs over larger ones.

I know it's 14 years old but it's low mileage. Getting kind of uncomfortable to drive.

Thanks experts!
David

 

Look at the shocks and any oil film residue. That's usually a tell-tell sign that the shocks are blown and leaking. Another test you can do is by pushing down on the front/rear and see how it rebounds.

 

My current car (2006 xB) had 46k when I bought it last year. Rear shocks were completely useless. No sign of leaks or damage, but when I changed them out I could easily squish them completely together and had ZERO rebound. By the time we finished changing both sides out, they still hadn't decompressed fully. If it rides like shit, I would change them out unless you're hard up for cash. Then I'd ride them until I had the coin or it was unbearable.

These were original OEM shocks, Monroe's IIRC.

 

Go on and replace them if you've got the time and money.
Our 97 Caravan (aka, Silver Slug) went forever on bad shocks. You'd see our van going down the street and know it was us because it bounced over every little thing. When I replaced them, I was able to compress them all the way by hand and there was very little decompression, just as TailDrag described his. I wish I had pictures, because it was hilarious.

 

Thanks guys. Shocks are all dry so I'd have to remove them anyway to check them. Bilstein 5100 with 0 lift will give a smoother, more controlled ride?

 

I know this doesn't necessarily have anything to REALLY do with this, but...
I've broken, (snapped the bottom bushings off the shock, and all the fluid drained out.) one pair of Ranchos, and TWO pairs of Monroes in the back.... Just saying, the ride immediately becomes noticeably crappier. If it's that noticeable, they've gone bad. Just change them.

And I would highly recommend going with Nitro Shocks, they're not that much more expensive (most the time) and they actually work for more than 30 minutes, unlike the traditional liquid filled shocks. Just saying.