Jackrabbity suspension on 1999 CV LX

Howdy - ive owned my 99 CV LX (non-intercepter type) for about 2 years. I got it from my great uncle - when i got it it had 80k and it has 89k now. He was very good with maintaining it.
Couple of questions - mostly she runs great - but i have noticed somethings up with the suspension. When driving over some rough road (uneven pavement/small potholes etc) the back of the car will jump over like a scared jackrabbit or something - kind of a weird sideways slide - especially if im heading downhill. Over smooth road she rides well.
Ive also noticed if i stand next to the car and give it a good push down on the front or back it bounces up and down quite abit. No squeeks though.
SO - based on my description - does this sound like i need shocks all around, or struts or what? If so should i upgrade to the police shocks, or stick with stock Motorcraft? Id like to get parts for under $250. Also would a shady tree mechanic (myself) be able to handle replacing these? Ive done alot of work on my '64 galaxie and on a 92 buick - but havent touched this CV yet. I have a decent amount of tools etc.
Thanks for suggestions - mostly helping me diagnose issue, recommended parts for basic daily driver, and if i should have someone else do it, or if - being pretty mechanically inclined - do it myself.
THANKS!

From your description, the shocks are agood possibility for the problem. You should be able to replace them yourself. However, the front top nuts like to stay in place and not come off easily. I would soak them with penetrating oil for a day or so. The rears are really close on the top. I usually use a wrench on top, and cut the dust shield and use vice grips on the piston of the old shock to remove it. Can't do that on the new one. Just tighten nut as much as you can. Good luck.

Ok - thanks waytoold - you seem to bring wisdom and peace to this forum.
(ive read some of the previous posts)
Where i lack in knowledge I make up for in tenacity so i think i will attempt this project. I still have access to a friends driveway.
Reading on this site earlier - someone recommended these KYB shocks:
KYB-KG5458 (front)
KYB-KG5521 (rear)
I dont mind spending a little extra for decent quality and handling - anyone have good luck with these?
Also - i have read people having issues with the top nuts on the shock mounts etc - I noticed there is something called a Nut Splitter on summits page (WMR-W88030). Seems like that would do the job for rusted, frozen nuts on old shocks - possibly?
Anyhow - thanks for pointing the way.
Up until a couple monthes ago i had 3 fords - '64' Gal, '90 F150, '99 CV - all very heavy duty and not too hard to work on.

Some of my guys use a 1/2 inch 24" extension on the socket to break the shaft off on the front. You caqn wiggle it back and forth ans it might break just below the nut. Sometimes that works. Good luck and enjoy the place. Let us know how it goes.

I have used channel locks on the shaft and an impact. You can use a deep socket and ratchet with a pipe wrench,channel locks or vise grips.
They also make a shock absorber socket they have 3 sizes this company only makes them for GM but you will know what they look like.
I've seen them at parts stores before.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_A430.htm