Matt, I don't think the 1/4" o-ring is a bump stop. I considered it a travel measuring tool and nothing else. You can see how much compression you're getting based on how far up the 0-ring gets pushed up on the shaft.
But I'm still curious as to why there should be a difference front to rear. I have Varishock double adjustables and was also a little concerned about the shock having to support the full extended spring rate in the front since the shaft isn't quite long enough for the a-arms to be fully extended (ie, car on left with wheels at full droop). I asked, and got the question - "what do you think happens in the back?" which made me realize what was going on.
The only thing supporting my rear axle when the car is on the lift (or if a wheel comes off the ground while driving) is the rear shock. That's the normal mode in an a-body coil spring suspension. The spring rate is roughly 1/3 of the front spring rate, but the weight of the rear assembly, etc probably compensates quite a bit.
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