Auto body repair & detailing: Shocks replacement on restoration project, mesurment, shock mounts

Question
We are completing a 79 TA and we have changed  rear axle with a posi unit.  The leaf springs are new and stock 4 leaf set.  The lower shock mounts are studs/through bolt, with lock nut. How do we determine shock length.?   We are changing the top mounting from a two bolt (up) to a stud or Eye type rubber bushing on both sides. What's the best method. 1. Stock length  shock open 23.5" closed is 15 inches.  The frame does not have door or interior weight on frame. The tub is ready for painting, not complete curb weight yet so new leafs are hold frame high.


Answer
I did the same thing on my 72 TA but I went a different way. I Put posi in mine but used the original housing just, put posi in. If your mounting places for your absorbers has not move up or down i would use stock length. if you have moved mounts for examle 2 ince higher then you need a shock 2 inces longer. You also dont want your car to bottom out on your shocks. you will need to measure the car bottomed out to get your closed mesurment on the absobers .I would try the stock length ones and buy cheap ones just for the test run. It really is trial and era to get the correct ones

        Hope this helps

                 Brian