I have searched this through all the post and what I have found out is the front is 17.73 extended 11.12 collapsed 6.61 stroke.
I have had my stock springs rebuilt and with the engine in and no front end on the truck I have 17 3/4 center to center on the shock mounts. I have the stock straight axle.
I know that when the complete dog house is on it will drop down some but not much because you can barely compress the suspension any. I also know you need to have about three inch's of travel for the shock. Any one run the rear shocks on the front because they would work out with the travel needed. Some 53 thru 55 run the same all around. Thanks

 

Same situation for mine, so I went with these: Gabriel 77405 MAX CONTROL
12-1/4" collapsed, 19-7/8" extended. In the pic the red shock is a Monroe/Gabriel that is extended, the Max Control is still tethered. You can see the difference in diameter tho. Nice boot too.

 

Thank You. This helps me out a lot. I will look into them.