New to Suspension, awful handling

My car handles like a boat, seriously it sways like I am riding in the ocean and the suspension creaks like an old rocking chair.

I was looking through AutoZone because I am pressed for cash, and I stumbled upon Shocks/Struts starting at 11.99 going to 89.99.

I bought my car used and as far as I know its got the original shocks on it. Would I see a significant difference in handling if I replaced them with the ones from Autozone?

Also is that ALL I need or are there some hidden parts I don't klnow about?

Thanks for your patience, I'm learning and this is the first car I've worked on and I love it! Though sometimes it can be frustrating.

- Z28WannaB

They might take the creak out of the rocking chair, and thats about it for cheap struts & shocks. I still have the original Bilstiens on my 87 IROC-Z and the car is as good as the day I picked it up from the dealer 17yrs ago. So that is a recommendation for Bilstiens. ;)

I think I might throw on the cheap ones until I can get my window motor, paint job, and new tires then I'll consider upgrading.

I just need shocks and springs then? Excellent!

- Z28WannaB

They might take the creak out of the rocking chair, and thats about it for cheap struts & shocks. I still have the original Bilstiens on my 87 IROC-Z and the car is as good as the day I picked it up from the dealer 17yrs ago. So that is a recommendation for Bilstiens. ;)

You realize that the front shocks can't be "thrown on"..... they require a fairly difficult removal from the front suspension in an assembly with the coil-over spring, and upper spring mount. The spring and shock then need to be seperated with a spring compressor. Generally, the top nut is rusted fast, and sometimes requires the top of the shock shaft to be cut off. Then the rubber covered top spring seat/mount is at an age where it may be rusting out, and might need replacement. A lot of potential for extra work and hidden costs.

I doubt you are going to find a coil-over spring for $11.99