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You and your son can have a bonding experience changing the rear shocks. I have had good luck using KYB gas-adjust. They are a step up from OEM but not a sport or performance shock, don't cost an arm and a leg and the ride is very decent. Unlike front struts, shocks don't take anything more than a couple of metric open end wrenches to install/remove. First use some rust-remover like PB Blaster on the threads. Even WD 40 helps. It goes easier if you remove the rear tire, one side at a time. You can use the jack that came with the car but support the car with wood blocks. Nothing technical about it, it is unbolt, bolt back using the same bolts. Struts requires compressing and restraining the springs. Much more involved. As far as bids, have your tried some of the independent muffler/suspension shops? Tip: One of the overlooked details on front struts regardless of who does the work are the rubber boots that protect the piston. Most shops ignore them, they rip the old ones off, fail to replace them and the customer never notices they are gone. Grit gets on the piston and over time ruins the seal, the strut fails prematurely. Note that "lifetime" warranties cover the part, not the labor.
Depending on mileage and type of roads you drove on, you may find that installing new rear shocks is all you need, the struts could still be good.
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1988 245A. Past: 1979 245A; 1987 244 M47; 1971 164E
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