how can you tell if they are bad on a 2wd quad cab 8'bed? my front end feels like the tires are bouncing off the road when I hit bumps.

 

if it's bouncing they are bad, shocks should keep the truck from bouncing. push down on the corner in question and if it bounces then your shock is bad

 

well see thats just it the fender push test is stiff as can be just going down the road it seems to have "wheel hop"

 

Take one down and check piston travel and resistance. Look for leakage. How many miles on them? OEM? What kind of driving do you do; how are the roads in your area? They sound from your description to be shot. Skipping is the giveaway.
WC