Ford Explorer: 99 XLT shocks

I've read a lot of the posts here in the last couple of hours but none
of them seem to be very recent. My XLT has 80K miles and is getting a
little "floaty". Most of my driving is around town (pretty good
roads) with the occasional 3-4 hour road trip thrown in. I would like
a shock that will ride a little bit on the firm side but still not be
too expensive. Everyone seems to reccommend Bilstein shocks but I'm
kind of balking at the $60+ price for them. $250 shocks for around
town driving just seems like too much too me.

I am looking at the Gabriel Gas Ryder LT. I am also looking at a
combination of Monroe shocks as recommended on their website.
Monroe-Reflex in the front and Monroe-Matic in the back. The third
option I'm looking at is the Rancho 5000 but the reviews on this one
have seemed a little mixed.

I'm most concerned that the Gabriels will not be very firm and that
the Ranchos may be too firm bordering on stiff.

Can anyone please offer some advise on these options?

Thanks,
Chuck

Concur.

"AZGuy" <net> wrote in message
news:com...