Good shocks are very important to solving handling and ride problems. The IAS or Bilstein price is worth the extra cost. I have Monroe shocks on my truck and a tar strip in the middle of a highway turn can kick the rear endout and send me flying in the truck. Good shocks are money well spent!
Agreed. Shocks are very important for they handle the bound and rebound rates of the springs. That's why I spared no expense on adjustable Koni's for the convertible, so I can tune the ride.