Technical 1954 Chevy 210 Rear Suspension Woes

Appreciate the insight. A lot of people have had their hands on this car. Lots of guess work as to who did what and why. But it's solid. Just going to iron it out. I thought about getting new lowered springs and ditching the blocks. The springs feel pretty worn. The new shocks are going to help dramatically.

 

What’s going on in this pic. Looks like some kind of shock extension on the end. Also is that shock extended all the way?

 

That was the closest I could get the shock to the mounting point with the old plate and the exhaust being in the way. The shock is collapsed so I can maneuver it into position. The new shocks are QA1 adjustable shocks and the front will be getting QA1 coil covers.

 

just took this pic as I left work.