I have a 1998 Explorer Sport. It will reach the 100,000 miles mark soon. I use the local Ford Dealer for most of the service. I will need to replace the shocks and struts soon. This is my first explorer and SUV. Could anybody recommend a good brand to use. I am looking for something better than the ford dealers shocks and struts.

I'm assuming that you'll be driving around town mostly.  If so, I would would spend the money for bilstein shocks.  The 4 shocks plus the axel wrap shock will run you roughly 500 dollars but they are worth the money.  I put some on my 2000 explorer xlt at 40k and the difference was night and day.  I can't help you out with struts unfortunately. 

Unless the Sport is done differently than the 4DRs - you don't have any struts. Shocks front and rear on my 99 4DR (same on my previous 92). I've always replaced them with Monroe Sensatrac. I'm sure there's many options out there - but these have worked fine for me. >