to check them correctly get the front on ramps, go under each swaybar end by the link and push straight up and down. It will be obvious if something is loose or worn.

as for the rest of the steering if you get shimmy is is not nesessarily from old bushings but can be caused by any play in the tie rod ends, drag link or idler arm bushing. This is a lot harder to check for as I had to get mine on a hoist and it was a 2 person job to locate any play. Sure enough I have a loose tie rod end and play at the pitman arm.

Good luck