How do I take air out of these goofy rear air shocks or take a pressure reading? I tried putting my tire gauge to the valve at the gas tank but got nothing at all. Does that mean I have no air in my shocks?

If you get no reading on the gauge the shocks are empty. They actually hold a small volume of air. Usually the smallest amount recommended is about 25 psi.
Just the act of putting a gauge on to get a reading will sometimes lower the pressure. I have found in my opinion the best way is to just put enough air in the shocks that will raise the back end a couple of inches. That will give a pretty good ride. If you are going to carry a heavy load, depending on the brand of the shocks and the weight, a pressure of 80-100 psi will do the job.

Doug

how do u let the air out of the rear air shocks? i'm new to the restoration thing i'm working on a 64 el coamino

yeah i also would like to know how to get the air out of the rear shocks thank you luke

Push the stem on the scharder valve in just like if you were going to let the air out of a tire.

Push the stem on the scharder valve in just like if you were going to let the air out of a tire.
That's why most tire gauges have a pin or a taper at the business end of the gauge.
Bill

If you got no reading, are you sure you still have air shocks?

I discovered on my own Elky that the original air shocks were replaced and another valve was installed. The original does nothing now. Try putting some air in it and if the back end starts lifting up then it's the right one.

If you are new at this ; like ss71 said above , look underneath to check that you indeed still have air shocks . If yes ,follow the lines and be sure that they are actually hooked up to the air valve and shocks . I`ve seen cars that the air shocks were replaced but the lines and fittings were not removed and others that the lines had come off the connecting points . Also try more than one tire pressure guage . In the 16 years that I have owned El Caminos with air shocks I have been to numerous places ; that for whatever reason , the air hose fitting would not actually depress the Scharder valve that 464elky described to allow the compressed air to enter . Try another couple of places for air before giving up on the shocks . Once you get pressurized air in them listen for any air leaks and then brush some soapy water along the valve and line looking for any leaks .