Yes, they can be shortened, but Im not exactly sure how much they can safely go. Call and talk to Andy at Maul Tech Atv. Basically they put in a spacer, so you have the cost for the spacers and service for the shock, might as well put seals in it while your at it. When/if you run them as is, basically the shock is already in a compressed position. In your case by almost an inch, so your initial damping is starting one inch higher in the stroke/progression. Low and mid compressed damping will be sacraficed. Being an air shock you will have a little more adjustment to compensate, but that will throw off the rest of the dampening. So will it work, yeah kinda, will you be happy, nope. I ddot think it will mess them up, but you wont get the full benefit from the shock. Look at Andy's website and give him a call, very smart guy and great at explaining everything!