The end links can be easily checked by grabbing it with the wheel still on the ground and shaking it. If it moves, replace it. If you replace the strut, the endlinks need to come off anyway and are not expensive. I suggest using IPD endlinks, they are more robust and last twice as long as OEM.

The spring seat can easily be checked. Just take a large monkey wrench to the large nut on top of the strut and try to turn it clockwise. If it turns easily and does not try to spring back, the seat is toast.

With 180K, your struts do need to be replaced, along with the rear shocks which are quite easy to do. You will have a better ride.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.