'54 Ranch Wagon rear shocks

[51504bat]

Asked this question on the '54 Ford Club of America site but thought I'd ask here as well. Getting ready to buy rear shocks for my '54 Ranch Wagon. I've read about the currently available OEM spec shocks not allowing the rear end to drop down enough to easily remove the rear tires. Some advocate extensions available from Summit. From what I can gather OEM shocks (Gabriel 81270 and KYB KG5517) are between 17.4 and 17.67 extended and 10.56 and 10.59 collapsed but KYB KG5550's are 19.29 extended and 12.01 collapsed. Anyone used the 5550's as opposed to extensions or just best to run the OEM spec shocks and deal with the tire changing issues?

 

[dmsfrr]

Just a quick note...
The collapsed length of a replacement shock should not be longer than the space available for it when the axle is up against the upper bump stop. Otherwise the shock is what limits the upper movement instead of the bump stop. This can easily damage the internal parts of the shock absorber.
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[51504bat]

Makes sense about damaging the shocks. I'll probably go with the OEM spec shocks without extensions and deal with the rear tire removal when if it becomes an issue.