IAJack

I just replaced all four of my shocks with the Monroe Reflex. They were around $425 and offer a nice ride that isn't too soft or too stiff. I don't off-road a lot but while checking the deer stand the other day it does handle and feel nice on the trail.

one2nine

iTrader: (1)

It's not so much a "softer" ride, but a more controlled and higher quality ride. So in a sense yes, it is softer, but really helps with square edged bumps and rough terrain.

The biggest ride quality improvement I've done was upgrading the rear leaf pack and adding a 2.0 series rear shock.

tuckr2

I put Monroe load adjusting shocks pn 58653 shocks on the rear of my 2011 f150. I did this for towing. Got a bit over an inch of added height. I only say this because I was looking for stiffer shocks for towing. On slightly firmer ride change and a bit better cornering (lessened body roll) without the trailer and when towing my 29ft travel trailer the back end of the truck had better ride. Got the shocks because I tend to overload the back of the truck with gear and recognized some tail wagging. Shocks were just over 100 bucks and easy install.
Hope this helps.

4.6Intruder

I would of rather went with coilovers vs my bilstein route, but $800 was a bit much for me at the time I purchased my bilsteins. With as much of a pain in the *** as it was to install the bilsteins, I wish I would have bought coilovers.