Experiences with Aftermarket Shocks

[redo75]

Need a new set of shocks, front and rear for my daily a 91 Volvo 740 station wagon. Choices are Monroes which I get for free replacement due to my lifetime warranty, but need to self install. Everybody says new ones are crap with 3~5 yrs lifespan. Other choices are KYB, which some say are being cheap'n out too but I'll be paying about $300 for ownership and have similar life span. Or Sachs for $500 which are firm riding but may be best lifespan. Any body have good or bad ownership knowledge with these brands as all info I heard is all over the board.
Note old guy here so I don't want to crawl under a car more often than needed, not a cheap bugger but in todays world cash savings is a good thing.
Thanks.

[fast Ed]

Does Bilstein have an OE replacement grade set for the car? Otherwise I’d say go with Sachs.

[ZR]

+1 on the above.

[Uncle Buck]

I have learned the hard way you get what you pay for with shocks. If the car has plenty of life left in it, don’t install cheap shocks.

[redo75]

Sachs are on order. Thanks

[ChickenLips]

I just ordered Sach via RockAuto. No seat time yet.

[redo75]

I ordered from Carquest, arrived yesterday, next day delivery, only paid $40 over lowest on line price for all 4. Now the fun time begins, installing.