Ah, Chuck, thanks for the specs, and the tip. Please let us know how those work. I searched the forum and came up with this info, from 2008 thread here.
(from Pink MG)
“. . . Check out http://www.rockauto.com Search for Monroe p/n 31538 and click on More Info. It gives the specs of the shock. I order from Rock Auto all the time.”
Mr. Bill?s answer:
“The Monroe p/n 31538 appears to be the correct length (I left the measurements with the parts supplier so I will need to remeasure) but it is a ‘gas’ and not an ‘oil’ filled shock.”
I believe these worked, according to Bill’s subsequent reports.
For myself, I think I probably won’t need new shocks. Crossing the fingers now, knocking on head.