Shock suggestions

[caddelma]

I noticed when I unloaded some sand bags out the back of the truck the other night the front was rather bouncy.  I pulled a front shock out and it was harder to pull (extend) then it was to compress.  I then checked the rears, and they were a little easier to extend and a lot easier to compress.  So me thinks I should start looking for some shocks.  It is a 1998 C1500 ext cab w/35k so it spends most of the time on the road.  I was wanting to get the Bilsteins (comfort valved), but the wife wants to visit Orlando in June so those are porbably out due to price.  I thought about the monroe sensa-tracs, which have been ok in the past and are $27 ea at Sears + $25 rebate.  I also came across the KYB GR-2 shocks ($22 ea).  Are these any good?  I have heard the gas-a-just are decent, but very stiff.  I want something with a decent ride and good handling.  Open to any coments...