I have a question about the monk / barb team that I could use some advice on.

Should I (remembering that I am still going through normal mode on my barb/monk team) be using a shield on my barb or on all of them to increase survivability? or should I be using a 2H on all of them? just the monks? just the barb?

how do you guys choose your gear for leveling? I guess the off-hand weapon or shield if you use one only adds stas that are not on hit or damage, since that affects only that weapon which doesnt hit? or something? They made the weapon itimization really confusing IMO

Someone know what's best for pre-60?