My 98 F-150 Lariet Stepside ext. cab truck is at about 100,000 miles and my Firestone dealer recommended I think about replacing shocks. The current ones aren't real bad but I believe they are the factory OEM shocks.

What brand and model shocks would give me the best ride and not be overly stiff unloaded but when carrying a load or pulling a trailer still be adequate for the job.

Thanks ....

 

Bilstein HD

 

Thanks n3up for the suggestion on the Bilstein HD shocks.

My local Firestore store recommended Monroe SenaTrac shocks but instead of paying them $35 worth of labor per shock to install I will do this myself.

Anyone with experience using the KYB MonoMax shocks? I've found pretty good prices online for these.

 

I have heard good things about the kyb but never actually used them.
As far as needing to replace your factory ones, I doubt it. Mine had 175000 miles and the only reason I replaced was due to a small leak on the back passenger one.
They were still firm and I had no abnormal tire wear.
If you don't have any issues with tire wear, any leaks, any issues with softness/bouncing then I would not replace them. The stock ones are good shocks.

I replaced mine with Monroe from a local auto parts store but you can probably buy the kyb shocks for the same price.

 

I went ahead and purchased Monroe Reflex Monotube shocks from PepBoys as they were running 50% off installation special on Monroe shocks for the month of August. The Reflex shocks are similar to the KYB Monomax shocks. The price per shock was $49 each and the labor to install all four was $79. The ride is unbelievable. They transformed the ride of my 98 F150 Lariet. Firm and very good while cornering and stopping and yet not too stiff or harsh, I am very happy so far.