Checking used shocks

[Streets_of_Fire]

Hello! I have a set of OEM shocks from an S14, and would like to know before getting rid of them, how to tell if they are still good or blown. also, my vehicle has had a set of KYB AGX's on them for i beleive 4 years now, with no dust boots, is this bad? how can i tell if they are still good? lastly, the springs seems prett beat up and the car's alignment is off ( the steering shakes and the rear tires get worn the inside only) i ahve read that when you lower your car, that the suspension geomotry is altered and doesnt function properly (even after alignment). how can this be fixed? if my shocks are good could changing my springs fix things? thanks

thanks
Modified by Streets_of_Fire at 5:53 PM 10/21/2006

[Streets_of_Fire]

any help please?

[Streets_of_Fire]

?

[180fan]

no dust boots is a very bad thing.

you can check by pulling the shock off and pushing the rod into the body of the shock. If the rod returns back to it's extended position, the shock is fine. anything else, toss it.

you lower your car, yes it'll change the settings. lower it, your camber in the back almost always gets thrown out of whack on the 40's. get the alignment and tell em to get it as close as possible. if you're getting bad wear on your car, usually it'll be toe that chews out the tires on the 40, but that should be resolved with an alignment. If not, you got other stuff that's probably worn that the alignment guy should have told you about.