I recently inspected underneath the back of my 82 pickup. I found there is a valve, like you would find on a tire, protruding from beside the top of the license plate mount. It is connected to a T- fitting, and runs to both rear shocks. Does this mean I can control the rear shocks? What Pressures? Tomorrow I will read the make/model of the shock.
sounds like a previous owner added air shocks to the rear. probably thought he'd level out the truck when loaded.
if the shocks are still working and the plastic air lines are ok, then you can control the them by adding or releasing air. just don't add too much or you'll blow the shocks (seen it done, no by me). there should be a max. air pressure rating stamped to the shock body.
Sounds like air shocks to me, too. They have a maximum AND minimum pressure - keep at least 10 PSI in them even if unloaded, so the airbags don't go slack and get a rock wedged in them.
Air shocks are NOT the optimum solution if your loads vary widely. They work (you don't have to run out and replace them) and they're cheaper than other types of overloads, but the factory shock mounting points aren't designed to carry the extra weight and will eventually crack and break - inspect them every few months, repair as necessary.
The hot trick is air springs ("airbags") with mounting brackets that go between the axle and chassis, they will take much more load and last longer. Firestone Ride-Rite is the main brand on the market.
And for either air springs or air shocks, you should consider a dashboard control system - at the least, a pressure gauge for the system so you can see if they have leaked down - remember they have a minimum pressure.
The fancy control panels give you the pressure gauge and an Up/Down control and a little electric air compressor under the hood, so you can adjust them on the fly, best for use when the load varies widely during the day between totally empty and totally full.
If you have a camper or other unbalanced load that is heavier on one side, they make split control panels (two gauges, two control valves) so you can pump the heavy side up more to level it out. Or you can split the all-manual system you have now and just see two fill valves by the license plate, one for each side.
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Yes, it means you can control the ride height via the shocks.
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