96 sts struts?

[blkmonday]

i have a 96 sts 108k. my problem is the front end is making a deep rattling noise when going over bumps and it has eaten up my front tires. it almost sounds as if something is loose. upon inspection everything seems tight and i cant re-create the noise unless im driving the car. seeing there isnt too much to the front end on these cars...im thinking its the struts. what is the proper way to test if the struts are bad? what exactly am i looking for? and does this sound like i need struts to you?when i give the car the bounce test it seems a little bouncy..but i dont hear a clunking noise.
also...ive been pricing struts online and decided to go with the passive ones if indeed i need struts. does anyone have any experience with using these as a replacement? how is the ride as opposed to the electric ones? any suggestions on brands to check out or websites. i have the arnott catalog...and them seem decent and at 300 bucks for the front set seems reasonable....any thought?