Air Lift Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 57354Air LiftOriginal price was $712.99. Current price is $516.99.In Stock
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Our air springs beef up your existing suspension to boost your safety and comfort when hauling massive loads.
The LoadLifter 5000™ air suspension kits fit many 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton pickups and vans to haul the big stuff. Perfect for commercial trucks, wreckers, ambulances, construction and utility trucks. Our air springs beef up your existing suspension to boost your safety and comfort when hauling massive loads.
Air Lift Company has developed dependable air spring suspension products since our inception in 1949. Our original product, a rubber air spring inserted into a car’s factory coil spring, was created and patented in 1950. We’ve come a long way since 1949 and are proud to be a dedicated suspension specialist company.
Today, Air Lift load support products are sold worldwide and are engineered to fit over 540 vehicles. Our extensive product line offers air helper springs for trucks, RVs, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as the most technologically advanced on-board air compressor systems for on-the-go air spring control.
Air Lift leads the industry in no-drill applications – kits that bolt onto your vehicle’s frame, speeding the installation process. Our teams work constantly to bring innovative products to you and upgrade existing products with the latest technology.
All of our efforts are spent ensuring your safety and comfort by designing, engineering, and manufacturing the highest quality suspension products. We are a family-owned business based in Lansing, Michigan, and make your family and cargo’s safety our top priority.
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The LoadLifter 5000 is an air spring suspension support kit manufactured by Air Lift Company. It uses reinforced commercial-grade convolute bellows (single or double depending on the kit) to provide up to 5,000 lbs of load leveling support. The bellows are adjustable from 5–100 PSI, allowing you to maintain level ride height when carrying heavy loads. The kit is designed for 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, as well as motor home rear kits and some motor home fronts.
The LoadLifter 5000 is recommended for most 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, and is also used in motor home rear kits and some motor home fronts where leaf springs are used. For specific vehicle compatibility, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 or visit www.airliftcompany.com.
No. Installing air springs will not change the weight ratings (GAWR, GCWR and/or GVWR) of your vehicle. The installation of this kit does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or payload. You must not exceed the maximum load listed in your vehicle's owner's manual or the GVWR shown on your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle, including passengers and cargo. This number is shown on your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label along with tire, rim size and inflation pressure data. The LoadLifter 5000 does not increase your GVWR. You must never exceed your vehicle's GVWR, regardless of air spring pressure or load-assist equipment, as doing so is dangerous and voids the warranty.
Normal ride height is the distance between the bottom edge of the fenderwell to the center point of the wheel when the vehicle is in an "as delivered condition" (without a load such as a tool box or camper). You should measure and record this distance before beginning installation. All LoadLifter 5000 kits are designed to be installed and operated at normal ride height. During installation, you must position the vehicle at normal ride height using safety jack stands before assembling and installing the air springs.
Required tools include: a jack and safety jack stands to raise the vehicle and support it at normal ride height; a drill with a 5/16" bit for drilling mounting holes; an open-end wrench for tightening the air fitting; a torque wrench for tightening bolts to specification; a standard tube cutter, razor blade, or very sharp knife for cutting air lines; pliers or vise-grips for removing air lines from fittings; and a valve core tool for tightening valve cores. An air compressor is needed for inflation testing, and a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) is needed for leak testing.
The kit includes: 3/8"-16×1 hex head bolts, 3/8" lockwashers, 3/8" flat washers, air fittings with thread sealant precoat, 3/8" self-tapping bolts, U-bolts for the axle housing, plastic straps for securing air lines, inflation valves, and air line tubing. An exhaust heat shield may be included depending on the application. For a complete parts list or if parts are missing, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Yes. During installation, you must remove the rubber jounce bumper from the axle housing before setting the air spring assembly in place.
Yes. You must drill three 5/16" holes into the frame rail to mount the upper bracket: one on each side of the bracket into the bottom of the square section frame rail, and one on the inside of the frame rail. These holes are drilled after the air spring is positioned and aligned on the axle housing.
Yes. You must drill a 5/16" hole in the rear bumper area or rocker panel flange to mount each inflation valve. The valve location should be chosen to ensure it is protected and accessible with an air hose. A rubber washer is provided for weather sealing on the outside of the hole.
Use a standard tube cutter, razor blade, or very sharp knife to cut the air line. A clean square cut is essential to prevent leaks. The air line assembly is cut into two equal parts. When cutting excess air line before installation into a fitting, cut squarely and push the cut end into the fitting as far as it will go (9/16"). You will hear or feel a definite "click" when the air line is seated. Do not cut the air line at the barbed fitting during leak repair; instead, cut a few inches in front of the fitting and use pliers or vise-grips to pull or twist the line off.
The upper bracket bolts (3/8"×16×1 hex head bolts) should be torqued to 15–20 ft. lbs. This applies both when initially attaching the upper bracket to the top of the bellows and when attaching the upper mounting bracket to the upper frame rail using 3/8" self-tapping bolts.
The lower bracket bolts (3/8"-16×1 hex head bolts) should be torqued to 15–20 ft. lbs. These bolts attach the lower bracket to the bottom of the bellows.
The U-bolt nuts on the axle housing should be torqued to 45–50 ft. lbs. after the air spring assembly is aligned so that the bellows is straight up and down.
Axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts should be torqued to 16 ft. lbs. and re-torqued after 100 miles.
Install the air fitting on the top side of the bellows. Tighten it finger tight plus two turns. Use an open-end wrench, being careful to tighten on the metal hex nut only. Do not over-tighten. The fitting is precoated with thread sealant.
The air line uses a push-to-connect fitting. Push and slightly turn the cut end of the air line into the fitting as far as it will go (9/16"). You will hear or feel a definite "click" when the air line is seated, indicating it is properly installed.
Route the air line from the inflation valve location along the frame rail to the bellows. The air line must be protected from direct heat from the muffler or tailpipe and kept away from sharp edges. The air line should not be bent or curved sharply. Keep the air line at least 12 inches from the exhaust system to prevent melting; use a thermal sleeve on the exhaust side if necessary. Leave sufficient hose slack to prevent any strain on the valve stem during normal axle motions. Attach the air line to the chassis with the provided plastic straps.
Installation of the LoadLifter 5000 may require an exhaust heat shield. The heat shield is attached to the exhaust pipe with the flanges bent toward the air bellows. The shield may be trimmed or bent to prevent contact with the bellows or hardware during suspension travel. There should be a minimum of a "thumbs width" of space between the exhaust pipe, the shield and the bellows. If a heat shield was included in the kit, install it. If one is required but not included, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI. Spray all connections, the inflation valves, and the swivel fitting with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. Look for bubbles in the soapy water to identify leaks. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore normal ride height, but not less than 5 PSI. Check the air pressure again after 24 hours. A 2 to 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If the loss is more than 5 PSI, retest for leaks.
After installation, inflate the air springs to 60 PSI and ensure there is at least ½" clearance around each bellows, away from anything that might rub against them. Be sure to check the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables. Also ensure there is sufficient clearance from heat sources—at least 6" for air springs and air lines. If a heat shield was included, install it. If one is required but not included, call (800) 248-0892.
Before road testing, complete the following checks: (1) Clearance test—inflate to 60 PSI and ensure at least ½" clearance around each bellows away from tires, brake drums, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables. (2) Leak test—inflate to 60 PSI and check all connections with soapy water solution; all leaks must be eliminated before road testing. (3) Heat test—ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources; install heat shield if included or required. (4) Fastener test—recheck all bolts for proper torque; axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts should be torqued to 16 ft. lbs. and re-torqued after 100 miles. (5) Road test—drive the vehicle 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners and air leaks.
The minimum air pressure is 20 PSI. This minimum pressure must be maintained at all times to keep the air spring in shape, ensuring that it will move throughout its travel without rubbing or wearing on itself. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure will void the Air Lift warranty. When raising the vehicle on a hoist for service work, the system should be at minimum pressure (20 PSI) to reduce tension on suspension and brake components.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Do not inflate beyond 100 PSI. Improper use or over-inflation may cause the assembly to burst, causing property damage or severe personal injury.
Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI or more. A "loaded vehicle" refers to a vehicle with a heavy bed load, a trailer, or both. The springs in this kit will support approximately 40 lbs. of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. The required air pressure will vary depending on the state of the original suspension. Remember that loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle. Always adjust the air pressure to maintain normal ride height when increasing load. Never exceed your vehicle's GVWR, regardless of air spring pressure or other load assist.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Regardless of load, the air pressure should always be adjusted to maintain ride height at all times.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
No. Air pressure can be adjusted with any type of compressor as long as it can produce sufficient pressure to service the springs. Even a bicycle tire pump can be used, though it requires significant effort. However, an on-board air compressor system allows you to inflate and deflate your air springs with the touch of a button from inside or outside the vehicle. Air Lift offers several on-board compressor options including single or dual path inflation, wireless or analog control, and standard or heavy duty compressors. Visit www.airliftcompany.com for detailed information on compressor systems.
Yes. The vehicle can be lifted on a hoist for short-term service work such as tire rotation or oil changes. However, if the vehicle will be on the hoist for a prolonged period of time, support the axle with jack stands to take the tension off the air springs. Use of on-board leveling systems does not require deflation or disconnection.
On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel or other abrasive debris.
Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion, identify the source and move it if possible. If relocation is not possible, the air spring may need to be remounted. If professionally installed, consult the installer. Check all fasteners for tightness. Also recheck air pressure after 24 hours of initial installation; a 2 to 4 PSI loss is normal, but if the loss is more than 5 PSI, retest for leaks.
If there is a problem with the swivel fitting: (1) Check the air line connection by deflating the spring and removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line. Trim 1" off the end of the air line, ensuring the cut is clean and square. Reinsert the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. (2) If it still leaks, check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another ½ turn. If it still leaks, deflate the air spring, remove the fitting, and re-coat the threads with thread sealant. Reinstall by hand-tightening as much as possible, then use a wrench for an additional two turns.
If there is a problem with the inflation valve: (1) Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. (2) Check the air line connection by removing the air line from the barbed type fitting. Do not cut it off, as this will usually nick the barb and render the fitting useless. Instead, cut the air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use pliers or vise-grips to pull or twist the air line off the fitting.
If the preceding troubleshooting steps do not resolve the leak problem, it is possibly caused by a failed air spring—either a factory defect or an operating problem. Call Air Lift Technical Service at 1-800-248-0892 for assistance.
If the air pressure drops more than 5 PSI after 24 hours of use, there is a leak that must be fixed. A 2 to 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. Use a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core. Either fix the leak yourself or return to the installer for service.
If you suspect an air leak: (1) Leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings in the control system. (2) Inspect the air lines to be sure none are pinched; tie straps may be too tight—loosen or replace the strap and replace leaking components. (3) Inspect the air line for holes and cracks; replace as needed. (4) Look for a kink or fold in the air line and reroute as needed. If these steps do not solve the problem, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.
Do not inflate bellows when it is unrestricted or not installed. Bellows must be contained by suspension or other adequate structure. Do not inflate beyond 100 PSI. Improper use or over-inflation may cause the assembly to burst, causing property damage or severe personal injury.
Leave sufficient hose slack to prevent any strain on the valve stem during normal axle motions.
Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty. The installation of the LoadLifter 5000 does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or payload of the vehicle. You must check your vehicle's owner's manual and not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle. The GVWR is shown on your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The LoadLifter 5000 carries a Lifetime Limited warranty. Air Lift Company warrants the product to the original retail purchaser against manufacturing defects when used on catalog-listed applications on cars, vans, light trucks and motorhomes under normal operating conditions for as long as Air Lift manufactures the product. The warranty does not apply to products that have been improperly applied, improperly installed, used in racing or off-road applications, used for commercial purposes, or which have not been maintained in accordance with installation instructions. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure, bottoming out, over-extension or rubbing against another component will void the warranty. Before returning any defective product, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
The LoadLifter 5000 is recommended for most 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs. For specific vehicle compatibility, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 or www.airliftcompany.com.
Upper and lower bracket bolts: 15–20 ft. lbs. U-bolt nuts: 45–50 ft. lbs. Axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts: 16 ft. lbs. (re-torque after 100 miles).
Minimum: 20 PSI (required at all times). Maximum: 100 PSI. For loaded vehicles: at least 25 PSI or more. Adjust pressure to maintain normal ride height. Check pressure weekly.
Inflate to 60 PSI and check: ½" clearance around bellows, no leaks with soapy water, 6" clearance from heat sources, all fasteners torqued correctly, then drive 10 miles and recheck.
A 2 to 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If pressure loss exceeds 5 PSI after 24 hours, there is a leak. Inflate to 60 PSI and use a soapy water solution (1/5 dish soap, 4/5 water) to check all air line connections, the swivel fitting, inflation valve core, and all fittings. Look for bubbles to identify the leak. Common causes include loose connections, pinched or kinked air lines, holes or cracks in the air line, or a failed air spring. Tighten connections, reroute kinked lines, trim and reinsert air lines into push-to-connect fittings, or replace damaged components. If the problem persists, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
A rough or harsh ride may be due to either too much pressure or not enough pressure. Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. Start with the vehicle level or slightly above, and adjust pressure up and down to find the best ride. If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement. Stability issues such as bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess usually require an increase in pressure. It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle if loads such as water, fuel, and appliances cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side.
If the vehicle's headlights are shining into the trees or the vehicle is leaning to one side, it is not level. Raise the air pressure to correct either of these problems and level the vehicle. It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle. Loads such as water, fuel, and appliances will cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side; as much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon.
If it is suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure. Bottoming out occurs when the air springs are compressed to their limit and no longer provide support. Increasing pressure will prevent bottoming out and maintain proper ride height and suspension support.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped. Front air bag pressure helps control brake dive by providing additional support during braking.
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