Questions for the better educated than me.

2014 4wd super cab, 3.7 xlt. with 149K miles (i plan on keeping this truck another 150K) I drive mostly city but do a bit of towing up to 6000lbs. I need to replace front struts and sway bars as well as rear shocks. I have 2 major questions.

What else should I consider changing at this time ?

What replacement brands should I go with OEM, Moog, Monroe, KYB ?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

From the factory there is only 1(one) sway bar - the front. So... Unless you (or the previous owner if you're not the original) have added a rear sway bar there is none. Since FoMoCo doesn't offer one you'll need aftermarket - recommend Hellwig.
Front sway bar - More than adequite so no need to replace.

(if appropriate) Front sway bar bushings and end-links.

If you're replacing the front struts, would recommend a through inspection of the control arms and tie-rods, and if warranted, replacing them. reason: The entire strut assembly will need to be removed and as long as it's out, and you'll need an alignment anyway, replace the other suspension componets. Why the entire control arm? Automagically get new bushings.
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You don't replace the sway bar unless it's broken. You replace the bar to frame bushings and end links. If you haven't already checked, all steering and suspension parts should be checked for wear.

 

This past summer I installed all new factory ford control arms and inner outer tie rods on my truck that has 140k miles. I did this when I did the gear swap to 4.10’s. I figured the front axle is out and it’s all apart so I replaced everything.

 

I am in the process of sorting out what I need vs want and what to replace as well.

I have used Bilstein shocks on previous vehicles as well as FOMOCO and KYB and Gabriel. I am a Bilstein Convert and would recommend them to anyone for any vehicle. They cost a little bit more but they are definitely worth the money IMHO.

I would also check the lower Ball Joint. There is a Youtuber that has a channel called FordTechMakuloco. He has a whole bunch of great videos for Ford. He has a specific video that shows how to check if you need to replace a ball joint or not. Very simple and quick.

Bushings are a big deal and we don't realize it until we replace them. I have decided to go with Poly bushings where I can instead of Rubber.

Generally speaking anything that is a "Soft" substance (Strut mount insulators, coil spring seat insulator, sway bar link bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.) need to be inspected for wasting or degradation.

If you want/need to replace the sway bar links, look at the welding on seats. The cheap ones will have the bushing stops spot welded and the better quality ones will be pressed or completely welded on. The spot welding will break in the future and then the bushings will be loose and sloppy, then transmit all sorts of noise and vibration.

Check the springs on the front struts to make sure they aren't broken.