Bear in mind that a visual inspection of the shocks really doesn't prove or disprove anything. Unless the shocks are completely destroyed, blown out and leaking fluid, they may look perfectly fine. Mine looked dandy, but when I removed them from the car it was readily apparent that they were very very dead, along with the upper mounts, which were also totally shot. Don't rely on visual inspection alone, if you still have noises you obviously still have an issue. While you are under there check out your lateral links and the rear control ar bushings as any real mileage with the shocks dead will stress these components too.