Yep, everything matches up on the part number off the KYB shock.. The suspension hasn't been lifted, everything was stilll stock until I indstalled the new KYBs. I talked to a tech at KYB today and he said that I may in fact have what I may have is called Autoride Suspension or Premium Smooth Ride Suspension even though there are no wires connected to the rear shock (like some of the front shocks with that suspension). No kidding, the stock shock is 2.85"OD on the bottom metal part (3.23"OD on the plastic boot - top) and is 24.75" long. The KYB MonoMax is 1.98"OD and about 22" long. He also said that if I do infact have the Autoride Suspension or Premium Smooth Ride Suspension, that it would make sense that there was and approximate 2" drop and that KYB will not have a direct replacement for this until later this year. Three things I also noticed since installing the KYB - 1, I like the stiffness and handling. 2, I bottom out going through small dips...and 3, there is an awful knocking/bumping when on a "washboard" road. So, it looks like the stock shocks go back on until I can find a satisfactory replacement so I can get the rear of my hoe back up and running smooth without bottoming out.
BTW - the stock shock has an orange and yellow lable with black text and says "SACHS" in the bottom left corner and "15029588" over "TXU" in the bottom right corner of the sticker. On the right side of the sticker along the edge is a bar code with D06/101/2/3/0235 under it, also "Made in U.S.A." (KYB is made in Japan)....for what that's worth.
Many thanks for your help horse!!
Trial and error - what an experience!