longer shock's

I have a 76 Nova with a big block in it . The problem is I think the rear shock's are too short. When I jack the car up and unhook the shock's there is 3 inches between the mount and the shock. The car use to have air shock's. But I want the car to handle.It doesn't sit up that high when I let it down. I was thinking of shock extension's with monroe gas shocks does this sound like it will smooth out my Nova? I also want to install a rear stabilizer bar Appreciate any input.

327 The way to measure shocks is to set your car at the desired ride height and measure fron the center of the upper shock mount to the center of the lower shock mount. Whatever that measurement is, will be the correct length for the shock you need.

I realize these things , but will the shock extensions work for now just to get my rig on the road?