One thing to keep in mind, is that these two games (EQ1 and EQ2) have totally different gameplay mechanics, rules, etc. Now, with that said...
Any combination with a Priest (healers class) will do well. Monks are now part of the Fighter group, so even though they do well for fighters, they don't do as well as other DPS classes. Fighters do have a good ability to Taunt, keeping the mob off the healer.
Shaman's are still good offensive healers for a group. Fury's are also good with nukes, while Wardens have many party buffs. Cleric's have the largest single-shot heals and can wear plate armor.
You might consider one of the Scout classes to increase your DPS and make fights go faster. Ranger (best ranged attacks), Assassin (best melee attacks), Swashbuckler (fast attacks), Troubador (party buffer), or Brigand (multiple attacks and debuffs). There are a few others to try.
If you are extremely dexterous, you might consider playing two pet classes, like Conjurer and Necromancer. That combination is extremely deadly and able to bring down very tough mobs.
Leveling in EQ2 is much faster than EQ1, and you'll find that you don't need to PL. In fact, PL'ing is almost non-exsistant due to the grouping rules. If a very high level character is facing mobs that are grey, and worth no exp/loot, then the rest of the party will see those mobs as grey and worth no exp/loot.
The high level can "Mentor" down to the lower level, reducing his level/skills/powers to the level of the "Mentee". The Mentee gets a 5% exp bonus, while the Mentor suffers a 95% exp penalty.
One last way to get around PL'ing, is the high level character stays outside the group, allowing the lower level to get credit for kills, as long as he does 51% of the damage. The one outside the group can cast certain spells (but not all, as some are group-only) into the fray, nukes, heals, or just melee.