hi all,
just wondering if any mechanics can vouch that this rear shock
https://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ188559398

will fit an 04 santa cruz blur?
thanks in advance

You're going to need to get some info from the seller. Ask them to measure center-to-center on the bolt holes to get the length (just in case they measured the tire thing, which is wrong). Whats the length of the one on your bike? What's the travel of this shock and does it match what you have now?
It's a good shock and if it does fit you'll most likely be happy with it. If it doesn't fit, you won't be so happy.

Well, all the measurements match (7.875 x 2) but i'm wondering if there's anything out of the ordinary that I don't know about simply changing one brand for another. I'm assuming I'm going to have to go to my LBS for some bushings but should that be it?

Not a big issue; anymore, if shock makers made their products for too specific an application, they'd be shooting themselves in the foot. What happens with some bikes is this: the manufacturer will strike a deal with the shock maker for "custom tuning" for a specific model. Specialized is good for that, but I don't think Santa Cruz does it much.