Bleeding Rear Hydraulic Shocks

I have just replace two of the four rear shocks. One had a slight leak and I found two NOS shocks so I replaced one on each side, the rear ones. Now it is time to bleed the system. Having recently bought a 2-post lift I am hoping I can at least start the bleeding process with the car on the lift and the rear suspension hanging at full extension. It is a whole lot easier to access the pilot valve this way, plus one of the two ferrules on the shock inlet was a little dodgy and I want to check for leakage with the wheels off.

Can anyone say for sure that the engine can be run with the wheels hanging and can you stroke the pilot valve with the car this way? I am hoping for a quick answer this Sunday morning so I can get to the garage and do it.

(Of course, if you see my other post about doing the engine timing, I have run the motor with the wheels hanging in the past but in that case the pilot valve was attached to the sway bar.)
Ken

 

Mark
Interesting approach. I did initial bleeding with wheels hanging and I just stroked the piston. I know this only gets out the gross air as there is not enough pressure in the system to force it all out.
However, I am on hold for now as I expected the one fitting at the shock is leaking. The special ferrule had some corrosion. I'll have new hose on Monday but will not get back to the garage for 10 days or so. Once I am sure there is not leak I will do it with weight on the rear wheels.
Ken