I will use a distributor if there is a need, but there is nothing like the merry buzz of the coils when all is good in the world.
To check the mag: get a get a auto type socket with two leads coming out of it. Lengthen the leads and add alligator clips to each end. Using a single filament 12v bulb in your test set up connect one end to the out put post and the other to ground. You should get a faint glow at idle and should get brighter as the rpm's are increased. Now using an "ANALOG" meter you can check the AC volt output. The light bulb is taking the place of the coils as a load so that stays on while checking. A good mag can put out 30+ AC volts at the top engine rpm.
If you don't have the tools to check the coils right I would suggest sending them to one of the coil repair people listed at the Ford Model T Club of America web site.
While you are waiting for the coils to come back you could check out the every thing to be ready to install them and go for a drive with a smile on your face.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/8538.html