Shocks replacement question

So I have a 1953 pontiac chieftain that I want to replace the rear shocks on. I finally got the origonal shocks off. My car is lowered 4 inches via blocks in the rear. My question is, do I get the same size shocks as replacements, or do I need 4 inch shorter shocks? Also, should I try to get air shocks? Any thoughts and comments would be helpful. Thanks!

 

Personally I don't prefer to use air shocks because of the ride, it might be tough finding 4" shorter air shocks anyway.

I have the same shocks on the back of my car as yours, and bought the "replacement" Monroe shocks and found out they were an inch shorter than the originals. Monroe# 31000 are 19 1/2" extended length with a compressed length of 12". I don't think it would hurt to run these , if the factory shocks weren't bottoming out .

I had to go the other way and find some longer shocks to help with the extra leaf springs and able to drop the rear down enough to get the wheels on and off.

Or the Monroe 32207 are 11.250-17.875 with the same parts pack as the 31000 that has the sleeve for the upper mounting hole.

But you check your length though, since the leaf spring plate with shock mount bolts to the bottom of the leaf that distance really shoudn't change much your just moving the rear end up off the leaf spring.

 

The rear shocks actually were bottoming out though. Not sure if it was because they were 60 years old, or because the rear end was 4 inches lower, or both. Only when i would hit a decent pothole or something at a good speed, but its enough to drive you crazy.