The "compressed" measurement is probably more important. Be sure the shock can collapse far enough to allow the springs to compress fully without bottoming the shocks out. I've been known to loop a strong piece of chain over the frame and under a heavy duty floor jack to measure suspension travel when I'm setting up race car suspension.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
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