Since I'm re-using the existing shocks they won't have straps on, unless I'm missing something, so that was where the question came from.

Is there any way to test the shocks and steering damper? My steering does feel a bit loose, I kinda have to keep two hands on the wheel.

 

Yeah you won't have any problem, you can compress them enough to get them in and then be ready with the bottom bolt as it decompresses past the hole just push it through.

If the steering damper looks original I would change it too. I had that feeling where you had to keep hands on the wheel especially in rutted freeway lanes.

I slowly went through a huge dry hole in a gravel parking lot, well 10" deep and 4 feet round, and with the new damper my steering wheel did not turn at all. It would have spun the steering wheel with the old damper.

 

Steering damper is an OME, so I'm sure it was part of a lift kit the PO installed. This has me wondering how old the suspension is and how worn out the components might be.

 

I've got the TF HD springs on my Disco 2 with a 3" lift, steel bumpers, rock sliders, winch and tank guard. I was worried about weight and the springs settling after time so I went with the HD springs. Riding in Myrtle feels like riding in an M1A1 Abrams tank now with the HD springs.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd get the Medium springs so it'll be a more smoother, comfortable ride... and less complaining from the wife.
Just my 2 pesos tho...