Also check all of the pivots for play. If a bearing's bad, it's easy to replace; but thrashed bearings are a sign of further abuse. Look for cracks around the bearing bosses. About the only way to actually check the shock on a bare frame would be to pull the 'bottom' mount bolt, remove the spring temporarily, bolt it back up loosely and cycle it through to be sure there is some rebound damping. Look for mundge around the rod seal. That's about it.
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Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."