Richard
Here is what I recommend when you buy lifetime warranty shocks.
1. Be sure to keep the original receipt.
2. Be sure to keep one old front as well as one old rear shock, stored away.
When you do have a claim, the defective piece is returned to the original seller, who in turn will deal with the manufacturer.
You are right in suggesting this process could take weeks.
Hence, unless you want to drive around with 3 shocks, my suggestion # 2 applies.
Works for me, although it is a bit of a pain.
