Replacement shocks for '00 Z71

I've discovered that one of my shocks is leaking. I am contemplating replacing them myself. Anyone here done it? Was an air compressor required or just lots of arm strength? Any recommendations on brands? I've been looking at KYB, Edelbrock, and Bilstein.

Does a Z71 really use the same shocks as stock 4WD on aftermarket applications? I can't find anything that tells me something different, but one of the "selling points" when I bought the truck was a slightly higher payload from the larger Z71 shocks.

Thanks!