Shock absorber bleeding to death as I write, so sad!

[Rbade12 at aol.com]

My left front shock absorber on my 91 200q20v has given it's life for my  
riding comfort and safety. A moment of silence. Thank you! Of note is the  fact 
that I just returned from a 2000 mile trip. It would have SUCKED to have  this 
failure in the middle of bumf... South Dakota. Can hear it now at the local  
mechanic, " That one of them Kraut cars boy?, ain't never seen one of them  
before?" 
 
So, the obvious list of questions arise.
 
I will replace shocks, springs, bellows, etc., basically anything with  a 
limited life related to this part of the car. I'm asking you guys  what brand of 
items I should purchase. I wouldn't mind lowering a bit with  springs that do 
so. I wouldn't mind tightening the ride a bit. Are there special  tools I'll 
be neeeding [I've done shocks on MacPherson struts before and have  spring 
compressors...good ones...and I'll be really careful while I use  them]?
 
The last major job I did, the timing belt, I was led to the mother lode of  
help at Quattro123 .com by the Avant Boys. Does anything comparable exist for  
this job?
 
As always, your help is very much appreciated!
 
Bob