Sorry for the delay! Back after a nice Independence Day weekend with bounce test results...

First I need to get it straight as to whether or not we have struts or shocks in the rear of our cars. I have a 98 Bonneville SE (pictured below), with no electronic suspension, air shocks or computer command ride (at least there are no buttons in my car for that)

I really got the rear of the car bouncing, the struts/shocks were making a little bit of noise, like a regular shock absorber (or strong arm) does. I let go on the down motion on the 10th bounce, it bounces back up and then sqauts down about 2 inches. I can get a good 8 inches of play in the rear when I do quite a few bounces.

Can someone point me in the right direction? Also, if it'* not the struts/shocks, what could it be? If it is the struts/shocks, what brand is a good brand to replace with? I have a very high opinion when it comes to using stock parts, but if there are better suspension components (and I would imagine there would be in this case), which ones should I use?

Thanks everyone once again!

Your car has struts in the back. Do you have an air compressor in the trunk? If not, then you have standard struts. Sounds like the bounce test shows that the struts are fine. The car may bottom out normally if you drive over big bumps with people in the back of the car.

If you are unsatisfied with the stock suspension you may want to think about upgrading it to stiffer springs and struts.