Shocks

How can you tell if your shocks are shot? I'm at 80,000 miles if that matters

 

Usually if you press down on the rear or front it should just bounce back up and not keep bouncing. I believe, I am not a shock guru.

 

Remove one and test it.

You can even do that by hand, assuming you have a new one to compare it to.

 

Do you guys know what that part is and is it supposed to be paralle/level to the ground? LCA maybe? Sorta just starting out in the mechanic stuff thanks!

 

Yup LCA

 

Thanks yes I've noticed on there that it's pointed down more and mine level so idk if it's cause mine is a base model and not a trd. Or if an old worn out shock would
Be the problem

 

Springs hold weight, shocks keep springs from endlessly rocking back and forth/bouncing.

A lower control arm pointed towards the ground/downwards is typically normal or slightly lifted. One pointed up may indicate a sagging spring.

 

For optimal handling (street/road) level is the goal.

I've seen many an autox car 'slammed' on the premise that lower is better, not considering they were ruining steering geometry.

As digitaL says, shocks or struts don't raise or lower anything. They just dampen (hence the correct name 'damper') the spring action.