54" inch leaf spring!

[6768chevylover]

The PO of my Blazer has thrown me for a loop. There are something's I've had to fix that were not stock and of course had to figure out were they came from. I noticed the other day the blazer sagging in the rear driver side. Figured the springs had enough. Found a guy near by selling 52" leaf spring, so I bought them. After tear down I started installing the springs and found out that the new ones seemed short. Measured them and they were 52" springs. I grabbed the old ones and measured them as well. They measured 54".. Has anyone ever done this? Is this a normal thing? An old school trick? The perches look original with the rivets so I'm sure they're not moved.