How do you know when to replace shocks??

The guy that drove my car out from the repair shop (not a full fledged mechanic ) said I need new shocks and stomped on the brakes to show how my front end bounces a couple of times. But, I wonder if this is a good indication of worn shocks on a truck.

I have also heard of pushing down on a corner and the vehicle should level itself without bouncing, but again does this only apply to passenger cars? I don't remember how it's supposed to work when the shocks were new. I think they were replaced approx. 50k miles ago.

What kind of shocks are on there now??

I know that I put Gabriel sport shocks on barely 2yrs ago, and they are already worn out, but they did ride VERY comfortably.

The bouncing on the front end when brakes are applied IS a sign that the shocks are weak, or if you hit a bump and the truck continues to bounce, severe leaning in corners, etc.

I currently have Monroe-matics on all four corners. Mine are also riding very comfortably as you said. I remember how rough the original shocks rode, and I don't know that I want to go back to that kind of ride again. I'm thinking of going with the monroe reflex this time around.

So I take it that when you stomp on your brakes it doesn't do the double head nod like mine does. I guess I do need to replace the front shocks then.

Well, if you thought the OEM shocks rode rough, then I'm not sure what to tell you.

Personally, I thought my OEM shocks on the '97 were great til I put bigger tires on, then they were way tooo lazy.