The Monroes will be firmer and closer to 55/45 ratio in extension/compression. The dealer may be using Delco/Delphi shocks, which may be more like the originals, but I wouldn't count on that without checking around.

Rockauto sells both.

I put Monroes on my leSabre 03. Even jacking up with a trunk jack one side at a time, I could do the shocks in 1 hr. If you've done shocks before, it'* a breeze. Clean the threads on the lower bolts with a wire brush before trying to back them down through. I twisted one off.

After doing the rears, you'll probably want to do the front struts because they will seem softer by comparison.



Look at the trans dip stick. Fluid goes from slight red to clear to brownish clear and then to a darker brown with heat damage and age.

I'd go with the shop doing the drain, replace filter and refill. That replaces about half the fluid. Then I'd have it done again in 10-15K miles with just a fluid drain and refill. Be sure they keep the original rubber gasket on the trans oil pan. They're meant to be reused.

Thanks for all the info, guys. BillBoost, local to me, offered to do the rear shocks and tranny fluid/filter. He was great, even picked up the tranny stuff for me. Bill'* labor was extremely reasonable and I had a good time hanging with him. I got the Monroes MA822 Max-Air for $55.00 shipped from Amazon, the cheapest I could find. On the shocks I don't feel any difference, rear or front, but once the old ones leaked more I'm sure I would have.