Ski shock measurement for VL/MP

[BombaPolaYama]

I need to replace my ski shock and I'm looking for cheaper options such as Royal Dist. I can get the fully extended length = 14.25" but I need the spring off to measure the closed length. Does anyone know that measurement or any tricks for removing the spring w/o a proper tool?
thanks,

Edit: I have the spring removed and it seems like the closed measure is ~ 11.25" (I'm assuming that the closed measurement includes the rubber stop since it is part of the shock assembly). The shocks listed at Royal Distributing with the closest measurement to the VL are gas: 14.375 x 10..25" or 14.25 x 9.5": Would there be an issue with going with a shorter closed measurement?

 

[Mooseman]

How about subtracting the length of the shaft?

 

[BombaPolaYama]

How about subtracting the length of the shaft?

That makes sense but then there's the rubber stop that I mentioned above.

 

[Mooseman]

I think you might have some leeway since the VL front suspension travel is 6.5" and the MP is 8". Now I don't know if this is at the shock or at the ski but if you find something close you should be OK. I swapped in some Phazer FX adjustable shocks and all is well and the MP's are on the FX because one was leaking. All's fine.