It sounds to me like you are trying to keep up with the Jones over at IRV2.
LOL, I wish I had the means to even try to keep up with you guys!! You guys have some pretty outstanding coaches. Ours is no "coach" but it is a huge improvement over our last one! Despite its age, we love it!!
I haven't read anything about Koni's yet over at IRV2. Just finished tackling the 8 pages on Koni posts at rv.net. On those posts I keep hearing how the Koni's are especially great for the Ford chassis. I still haven't decided yet, got plenty of time as I'm probably not going to order till next month.
The ride seems ok to me. I havn't driven it much yet, but after replacing the tires, even on the short stint driving home it "feels" better, though it may be placebo, lol. Honestly though, the ride home from purchase in Ohio felt pretty stiff.
All I know is the shocks need to be replaced, and if in the process I can truly improve the ride a little, then it may be worth a little extra $ considering that we are keeping the rig at least 14 years, KOW.
I try to do extensive research before making purchases. About 6 years or so ago I had to replace the shocks on an Explorer I had. I was torn between Monroe and Bilstein. Ended up getting Monroe to save a little money and felt no difference in ride over the OEM. I was very disappointed and wished I had gone with the Bilsteins.
The only 2 I am considering are Bilsteins and Konis.
Thanks for all the input guys!!
Darren