Managed to install new rear shocks before needing new fillings!
Shockingly, the trusty Factory Workshop Manual neglected to mention that I’d need to exert significant upward pressure with a floor jack to counteract the leaf spring, which pushed the wheels too far down for the shocks to reach the linkage. Thx again, editors @ British Leyland!
This bit of restoration definitely made a difference in ride quality though – cornering is much improved, with significantly less wheel tuck and rear axle hop over bumps (plenty of frost heaves here this time of year in VT).