Rear strut extended length?

What is your question?

I have a 2002 Camry SE and I am replacing the rear struts. The damper in the replacement strut(from Autozone) does not extend as far as the OE part that I removed. Although the strut body is indentical, the new strut extends to 24.5", while the original part extends to 26.5". Is this OK? Will the spring tension cause the new damper to extend more? With my hand I can only pull the damper out about another 3/4", and an worried the new strut won't clear the top of the strut tower.