How do I know if I need new springs?

Hi all,
I've been bouncing back and forth between Bilstein 5100s and Rancho Quicklifts to get a decent level for my 2000 AC (180k miles and decent condition). Bilsteins have a great rep, but if I need to buy new springs then I can't afford them over the Ranchos. So how do I know if I need to replace my springs or if I can use the stock ones I have for Bilsteins? (And if they need to be replaced, can I do it for less than $100).

Thanks again for the help!

 

Unless your original springs are broken, you should be able to use your old springs on the bilsteins.

 

I've had my eye on the Rancho quick lifts myself. Unfortunately the last owner of the truck had monroe quick struts put in so I dont want to reuse those springs. From what I understand they dont last at all in these trucks. The front end of my truck feels very soft and I can easily shake it by one hand. Without knowing how soft the regular susp is I'm not sure if this is normal. I do plan to replace the rear shocks with whatever brand I put in the front. For the price of the quick lifts they seem more up my alley.

If anyone has more info on them please let us know

 

Check out these options also, the OME coils are what I ended up with after finding out the quickstrut coils wouldn't fit the 5100s and it would have been cheaper to go with one of these guys in the long run. I'd go with them either over Rancho if it were my truck.

 

Nice options also quite expensive. I might have to wait to do something like that since I want to do the rear at the same time.

My Subaru needs a lift as well and those shocks and bumping pretty decent right now.