Proper shock length

I cycled my rear suspension on my '97 Tacoma with the shocks off and took some measurements, because I will be getting new shocks, eventually and I want to make sure I get the correct ones. The truck is lifted about 2.5" all the way around and has custom Deaver leaf packs in the rear. The drivers side measured 17.5" compressed and about 22.5" extended. The passenger side measured 19" compressed and about 23" extended. The ride height measures 19.5" on the driver's side and 21" on the passenger's side. When I lifted each side, I couldn't get the opposite side tires, completely off the ground, but I'm sure they were close enough.

I read a few articles about measuring for shocks and they said to subtract .5" off of the compressed length so the shocks won't bottom out, which makes sense. So, I am understanding that I should get a shock that has a collapsed length of 17", is that correct? But, I am wondering if the suspension could compress more with the weight of the truck, gear/trailer at speed on rough terrain or just over bumps on the road. I will be getting the proper length bumpstops to keep from bottoming out the shocks. But, I want to make sure my shocks and bumpstops won't limit my up travel, too much. So, I am thinking about getting the next length shorter, just to make sure. I am going to be getting the Bilstein 5165's for the rear. I have 10" Bilstein 5125 shocks on it, right now and at rest height, they have about equal stroke distance between up travel and down travel and that's with the bed empty. I'm thinking the 10" shocks should be fine.

The measurements are without bumpstops installed and the bed empty.

 

I’m curios why nearly 2” less travel between sides

 

No idea. It's only really 1.5". Passenger side shocks are 1" longer.

 

bump, anybody?

 

Just an update:

I contacted Downsouth Motorsports and they said either 13,6 X 22.4 or 14.2 X 23.6. I like the idea of the 14.2, because they have a little more travel and it will net me closer to 50/50 up and down travel on the driver's side and slightly more up travel on the passenger's side.

Wondering if anybody has any input.