Yeah you can put different shocks on. Cognito told me that our trucks have the same rear shocks from like 2011 to 2020, so I ended up going with the Fox shocks with external reservoirs for a 1-4" lift. They weren't part of a "kit" at the time I ordered but I think they are now.
Whatever leveling kit you go with, whether it comes with shocks or not, you can get shocks to work with it. I know for a fact that Cognito will sale you just the Fox shocks if thats what you want, with or without external resi's. I saw two different shocks for our trucks, shocks for 0-1" lift and shocks for 1-4" lift.
In my opinion, anything would be better than the shocks that come on the trucks. The Rancho's on my AT4 ride like crap