Rear Shocks Different Length Than Front?

I removed the shocks from my 71 CJ5 and noticed the fronts are longer than the rear. Is this normal?
The springs are not stock, there is a decal on the rear from a spring shop in the S.F. Bay area. If the springs are "lifted" it is only by an inch or so.
The shocks I removed (approx.):
front-- 14.5" compressed and 22.5" extended.
rear-- 12.5" compressed and 20.5" extended.

 

On my BDS 2.5" lift, the shocks are the same, front and back.

 

From my 71 FSM

Mike

 

Bingo...........lifted springs will require a longer shock........and a common practice is that with a little trimming and a few other things the front axle will get you a greater range for articulation..........as compared to the rear where the bump travel is pretty much confined by the wheel tubs...

 

NB the compressed length of the shocks still matters, even if you have lift springs. Typically they'd expect you to add spacers between the axle bump stops and the frame to keep the longer shocks from bottoming before the axle is stopped by the bumper - not good!