Just for the record, since installing the new shocks with the little rubber ring on them, I've found that my shocks have never compressed more than about an inch and a half, which basically indicates the old shocks I had were probably fine too... I would have thought there would be alot more travel than that, and mind you, PA roads are NOT smooth...
I figured I'd post this info just FYI if anyone else is worried about shock travel... seems you don't need too much.