2" longer shocks without a lift

Seem to remember someone saying this was possible, Jai perhaps? How can this be as they must have the same compressed length? If it is possible what shocks would you recommend. Thanks

They would fit but you wouldn't get full use out of them. To allow the extended length to be 2 inches longer the compressed length would have to be the same. So when you start articulating the wheels you would get more downward travel however because it's a live beam axle if one wheel drops out of the wheel arch the opposite moves in the arch however the limitations on it are now the compressed shock absorber rather than the bump stops.

You can fit the shocks if you were to also get 2 inch taller shock mounts.

The big question is why fit 2 inch longer shocks that in most situations would reduce articulation and put a lot of strain on the shock absorber spot welds.

When I decided to fit parabolic leaf springs to my series 2 I bought 2 inch longer pro comp shocks. These arrived a few days before the leaf springs and I decided to fit the to the standard multi leaf springs as it was dry and would be one less job to do.

I had about 3-4 inches of upward travel front and back before the shock couldn't compress anymore. So it had less travel compared to standard. As the parabolics raised it by about 3 inches it meant I could fully benefit from the longer shocks.
Different suspension set up but the principle is the same.

You'd have to extend the shock mounts to allow full compression which won't give a lift. However I'd imagine you'd also need dislocation cones. Personally I would by a proper suspension set up. The standard shocks are capable of hitting the bump stops so they would still limit travel to almost standard.

I don't see that, if compressed length is the same upward travel will be the same, downward travel will be 2" more

Compressed length is not the same unless specified. the whole shock body has to be longer to accommodate the extra 2 inches.

The standard Land Rover shock has an internal piston that is as long as it can physically be. So how can you increase the extended length and keep the standard length shock body. Physics says You can't.

If you look at a standard shock next to a 2 inch longer shock it will be physically longer to accommodate the 2 inches if extra travel.

If that's the case, that answers the question, wonder if I can find original discussion

You can fit them and they fit absolutely fine and they work. But you won't get extra articulation unless you fabricate new shock mounts. Why are you thinking of putting on longer shock absorbers? A coil sprung Land Rover achieves decent articulation as standard and can deal with most things. Axle articulation by modifying suspension can improve its ability off road but only if done properly and just adding longer shocks isn't being done properly IMO. If the reason you don't want the extra height by raising the body two inches is because you're worried about body roll or on road handling then I would assume the vehicle is used more on road and a need for longer travel suspension wouldn't be necessary.
For the price of the longer shocks all round you could buy some really good off road tyres which would probably have a much greater impact in the off-road ability of the vehicle without compromising on road too much or have a set of on and off road tyres. All the land rovers came out the factory as a compromise for off and on road and if you improve one aspect you'll reduce the other. You'll need to look at and phone suppliers of shocks to find the best compressed and extended sizes and full shock travel for your needs.
Decent shock suppliers are old man emu, Koni, pro comp, terrifirma.
There are pros and cons to all I've never had a bad experience with any of the above. The standard shocks are pretty good as an all rounder. I just can't see you getting any further off road with just 2 inch longer shocks compared to someone with a completely standard suspension set up.

All ready running off road tyres, don't want to lift as it raises centre of gravity. I do need to change shocks for MOT so just considering various possibilities

A decent gas shock will be about £50 a corner. Standard will be £15. Not much difference in performance of the two. Gas shocks are more resistant to fading i.e. When you go over many small bumps the shocks work very hard and become less efficient. For a standard height motor id stay with standard shocks. I put gas shocks on my 90 and felt no different on or off road. But then I never would expect the changes to be distract. At the end of the day it's your motor and your money so you can fit what you want as long you enjoy it and it's legal do whatever you want. This is only my personal experience and mine get used on and off road regularly but mainly for work not just for the fun of it.