I am in need of some new shocks for a 2000 150 4.2 4x2 manual.

Mine are completely shot causing my exhaust to come apart.

I tow randomly, and when I do I am right at the max ratings of the truck, so I would like something that would work well with that.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

I am using the best Monroematics.
They do a good job of control but will be a bit more firm than OEM types.
At this point you may have forgotten how the OEM shocks feel so anything is an improvement.
Good luck.

 

I've had good results and excellent life out of the Monroe Reflex shocks. They're not terribly expensive, have a lifetime warranty, and are IMO, the perfect balance between ride quality and stiffness.
JL

 

I've had problems with all the Monroes I've ever used. I've found that many wear parts that have a lifetime warranty are of substandard quality. I would use KYB GR2 for an OEM like ride, or KYB Gas-A-Justs for heavy hauling and a slightly stiffer ride. These are exceptional quality. Just had a set last 340,000 miles on my Dad's 2000 Dodge Dakota. Replaced them last month because one of the shock mount bolts had managed to rust through. At that point it made sense to replace them.

 

And I've had the exact opposite results. Of the 4 vehicles I've put the Reflexes on, NONE of them have ever had a problem with the shocks at all. Two of those have had these shocks on them for over 150K miles,and they're still as good as the day I installed them.
JL

 

K, thats fine, I ran Sensatracs on my moms van, they only lasted about 3 weeks, they were way to mushy and soft. They rode like the old worn out ones we took off. Ran Reflex on my 1990 Mazda pickup, they did last a couple years, but they also seemed too soft. Only a couple years is far from lifetime. I find that to be very dishonest of a company to have a limited lifetime warranty, and then recommend replacing them at regular intervals for the best ride quality. Thats like the lifetime warranty brake pads, you know they won't last forever.