Rear shock absorbers

[rufus]

Hi
As an advisory on the MOT I need to replce the rear shocks due to rust on the outer casing. Our Van has been lowered so I was wandering if standard shocks will do or if I need to buy some more specific ones.
I think the van was lowered by a couple of splines although I am not totaly sure.
Also I am replacing the rear backing plates for the rear hub brakes. Is it a good idea the paint these before putting them on. If yes would hammerite be ok or something more speacialised.
Any advise will be gratefully recieved.

 

[Tofufi]

I used stock ones for my early, which is lowered one spline on the rear. If it is down two, you will have difficulty removing your rear wheels.

Afaik, this is down one spline:

Rear suspension in my van is very smooooth.

 

[Harlequin]

I fitted KYB gas-adjust, they have the longest travel, no probs with changing wheels with a 1+ spline drop & 205 tyres
For a bit more info:-
http://www.vwheritage.com/ssp/Shock-Absorbers/?templateID=ssp
tip:-clean the crud off shock bolts and spray with plenty of wd40 well in advance of trying to undo them, new shocks don't come with new bolts/nuts