Shock Question(s)?

[SCOTI]

If you bought the same type of shock from the same manufacturer (1 front & 1 rear shock), how different do you suppose the shocks are as far as valving & stiffness?

I'm curious because for the rear of my 74 I used what fit the location given the compressed, extended, & ride height requirements. The shock that fit was actually for a 73-87 Chev 4wd front. I haven't really noticed an "oh sh**, that rides like crap" sensation & they were easy enough (& cheap enough) that it was worth trying..... so they've worked fine.

I'm trying to get my 68 sorted & wanted to get a better quality shock (Bilsteins). My dilemma is they don't make a rear shock for 67-72 trucks & later years seem to have wayyyyyy wrong dimensions to be able to retrofit. I can however adapt a few different shocks that are again intended for the front of a vehicle.

Please.... I'm not interested in the 'drop shocks' that several companies offer. I prefer to make my own brackets & use the correct (or close to it) shocks.

Think the valving is that different (or does anyone have some technical input?).
Let me know your thoughts on the subject.