measureing question

[k5 krawler 50]

Hi, i just got some leaf springs and was wondering on a few measurements. I ordered 52 inch rears, when i got them i measured eye-to-eye and they were 49 inches. Now the member i bought them from told me to measure along the arc, i did and got 52, but is that how you measure springs? He also said when the are put under the blazer, the will compress and causing an extention in 3 inches? Is all this true. also here is a link to the springs i got. Do they look like 52 rears? http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/1745811-08-04_018.jpg
thanks for the help
Cory

 

[mechted]

those are 52" rears
and yes, you do measure along the length of the spring as you were told
they dont actually compress the full 3" in length... if so they would sit flat! more like 1-1.5"

(56" are easily IDed as well, the "center pin" isnt in the center, the front of the spring is 4" shorter than the rear)