Early 50s GM front Lever shocks questions

[Django]

I hope I get this right, cause I don't really understand how they work...

I have a buddy with a '50 Olds and the front shocks are always low. I don't think he said they are leaking and he can't get them adjusted properly. He mentioned something about filling them with the front wheels off the ground. Can someone explain to me how to make these shocks right so I can print this out for him?

[Rocket88]

When I filled mine I ran into the same thing.
You,ve got to fill the shock and work it back and forth a couple time, this seems to draw the fluid into the shock.
Put some more fluid in it and do it all over again.
I'm not sure if that's the right way to do but it worked for me.
You can also run different weight shock oil to fine tune the ride.

[Django]

What oil are you running in yours? Is the tires off the ground the correct way to do it?

[Rocket88]

I'm using 15 weight oil.
When I did mine they were on the bench.
As long as the shock is moved back and forth it should draw the fluid in.

[Broman]

I have these on my car too. My dad and I are going to tear into them as soon as we get this overheating issue resolved.

He said that they are simple to re-build. Just make sure that you get them to seal good then fill with fluid and pump them, repeat. Of course we have a repair manual for a '50 Buick that we are following so if I can find a way to scan that I will try to post it...