Help with shocks

[Hummie2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Am I missing something? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like your "local garage guy" might be missing some knowledge on measuring stud mount shocks.

Just measured a stock H2 front shock and it was 15 1/2" from the center of the lower eye to the bottom of the lower flat washer on the top mount with the shock off the vehicle and fully extended. The only way I could come up with come up with 18 7/8" was from center of lower eye to tip of upper stud. Stud length will vary between different brands of shocks and it only needs to be long enough to get the nut started on the threads to start compressing the rubber mounting bushings. DO NOT over tighten the upper mount - stop tightening once the rubber bushings squeeze to the same OD as the metal flat washers.

No experience with the Edelbrocks, but sounds like 15.91" should should be the proper length. The shocks aren't what limits the front suspension extension anyway. There is a stop that contacts the upper control arm when the suspension is at full extension (look beneath the rear pivot bolt on the upper control arm and you will see it welded to the frame).
The rears are a different story though. They are the extension stop for the rear suspension. Break a rear shock and you could pop a spring out of it's seat if the rear suspension were to over extend.