Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57230Air LiftOriginal price was $667.99. Current price is $483.99.In Stock
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LoadLifter 5000.
Offering up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling capacity, the LoadLifter 5000 kit from Air Lift will make towing and hauling with your Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 a comfortable and stress-free experience. For frequent use, our fully-adjustable, industry leading air springs are the perfect partner for your vehicle, eliminating any issues that you might face. The LoadLifter 5000 kit helps to eliminate problems frequently faced when towing and hauling, such as squat, poor headlight aim, trailer sway, body roll, and bottoming out. With the added stability and weight-distribution that air springs provide, you can haul safely, knowing that you have optimal braking and steering control. With the ability to adjust the air pressure from 5-100 PSI, your pickup can be ready for any weight and any situation (Note: Do not exceed vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)). An Air Lift exclusive, each kit comes equipped with upper and lower roll plates, added to protect the air springs from sharp edges, while increasing the load capacity by 10%. The air springs themselves are built like a tire, reinforced with 2-ply fabric for maximum strength. All of the end caps are made with an ultra high-strength nylon composite formula, strong as steel but much lighter and corrosion proof. As the leader in air suspension products for more than 70 years, Air Lift is committed to delivering quality load support parts that last. To ensure the highest quality, longevity, and customer satisfaction, the key suspension components, including the air springs and all hardware, have all been torture-tested to 1 million cycles on our hydraulic test rig. With a lifetime warranty and 60-Day Ride Satisfaction Guarantee -- not to mention the Air Lift reputation for great customer service and technical support, should you run into any snags in the installation process -- you can purchase this kit with peace of mind. Installing the kit is a simple process, requiring only common hand tools.
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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4 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Bed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 - 2018 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 5'9" Bed | — |
| 2007 - 2009 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 6'7" Bed | — |
| 2007 - 2018 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 5'9" Bed | — |
| 2007 - 2009 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 6'7" Bed | — |
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57204 (Part #BBCG57204) fits the following vehicles: 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2007-2018 GMC Sierra 1500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57204 (Part #BBCG57204) fits both short bed and long bed configurations. Check the fitment chart for your specific Chevrolet Silverado 1500 configuration.
Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57204 (Part #BBCG57204) is designed to fit the 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57204 (Part #BBCG57204) fits 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models. The 2018 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles. 57204 (Part #BBCG57204) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The LoadLifter 5000 Series is an air spring kit that provides up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) of load-leveling support. The air springs are manufactured with reinforced, commercial-grade convolute bellows with layers of rubber and cords that control growth. Air pressure is adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI (0.34 to 7 BAR).
The LoadLifter 5000 Series is designed for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. The manual covers kits 57204, 88204, 89204, 57211, and 88211. Fitment may vary by model year, bed length, and whether the vehicle has a fifth-wheel hitch bracket.
Standard LoadLifter 5000: zinc-plated steel roll plates and black nylon air lines. LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate: black powder-coated roll plates and black nylon air lines. LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus: stainless steel roll plates, braided stainless steel air lines, and stainless steel air spring mounting hardware. Air Lift also offers two upgrade kits: 52300 (braided stainless steel air lines and fittings) and 52301 (stainless steel roll plates, air spring mounting hardware, braided stainless steel air lines and fittings).
Yes, the LoadLifter 5000 Series is designed for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. However, fitment depends on model year, bed length (short vs. long box), and whether your truck has a factory fifth-wheel hitch bracket. Consult the manual or contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
Required tools include: standard and metric open-end or box wrenches (set), ratchet with 9/16" and 1/2" deep-well sockets, metric and standard sockets (set), 7/32" hex-key wrench, 5/16" drill bit (very sharp), heavy-duty drill, torque wrench, standard and metric hex-key wrenches (set), hose cutter/razor blade/sharp knife, hoist or floor jacks, two safety stands, safety glasses, air compressor or compressed air source, spray bottle with dish soap/water solution, and 13mm ratcheting wrench.
Yes, a torque wrench is required. Multiple fasteners have specific torque specifications: U-bolts to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm), upper bracket flat-head screws to 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm), lower bracket fasteners to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm), and fifth-wheel mounting screws to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm).
A heavy-duty drill with a 5/16" (8 mm) bit is required only if your truck has a fifth-wheel hitch bracket. For vehicles without a fifth-wheel bracket, the U-bolt mounting method does not require drilling. The 5/16" hole is drilled in the frame using the center hole in the front side of the upper bracket as a template for fifth-wheel installations.
The manual does not specify disconnecting the battery. However, the manual does require raising the vehicle and supporting it on safety stands, removing factory line holders, and relocating the emergency brake cable. No electrical work is involved in the installation.
You must remove and discard the line holder on the left (driver's) side of the frame rail inside the frame, just forward of the axle. Remove the pin holding the line holder in place on top of the frame and unhook the lines. Remove the ABS line holders from the bottom of the frame behind the axle on both sides. Remove the jounce bumper by unbolting it from the jounce bumper mounting cup welded to the frame. The emergency brake cable must be relocated: for kits 57204, 88204, and 89204, remove the bracket from the top of the axle center carrier and install a large frame clamp over the cable; for kits 57211 and 88211, insert the cable into a large frame clamp attached to the U-bolt.
The emergency brake cable is located in a position that makes it possible to rub a hole in the side of the air spring flex member. Relocation prevents this damage and ensures safe operation of the air spring system.
1. Set a roll plate (E) over the top of the air spring (D) with the radiused edge toward the air spring. 2. Install the swivel fitting (F) into the top of the air spring finger tight plus one and a half turns—do not overtighten. 3. Install the upper bracket (A or B) onto the air spring using four flat-head screws (G), torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). 4. Install the lower bracket (C) onto the bottom of the air spring using flat-head screws (G), torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). The arrow on the lower bracket points outboard toward the tire, opposite the fitting side.
The upper bracket flat-head screws (G) must be torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Do not overtighten.
The lower bracket fasteners must be evenly torqued to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm) on both the front and rear, keeping the lower bracket centered over the jounce bumper strike plate on the axle.
The U-bolts (L) must be torqued to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm).
For vehicles with a fifth-wheel hitch bracket, the washer-head self-tapping screw (N) must be torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). The rear bolt of the upper bracket must also be torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm).
For kits 57211 and 88211, the large frame clamp (I) attached to the U-bolt using a 3/8" bolt (V), 3/8" flat washer (S), and nylon lock nut (R) must be tightened to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm).
1. Install a large flat washer (T) over the hex-head bolt (M) and thread the wire bolt leader tool (H) onto the bolt threads. 2. Insert the bolt and washer through the slot in the side of the frame and through the slot in the bottom of the frame where the ABS line holder was removed. Repeat for the other side. 3. Set the left assembly (marked with L on the bracket) on the left (driver's) side of the axle, and the right assembly on the right (passenger's) side. The fitting on both air springs will be inboard. 4. While raising the assembly, line up the bolt with the back hole on the bracket. Set the new ABS line holder over the bolt once the upper bracket is in place and cap with a flat washer (S) and nylon lock nut (R). Leave loose at this time.
U-bolt mounting is used for vehicles without a fifth-wheel hitch bracket running alongside the frame. A U-bolt (L) is set around the frame and inserted through holes in the upper bracket forward of the axle, then capped with flat washers (S) and nylon lock nuts (R), torqued to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm). Fifth-wheel mounting is used for vehicles with a fifth-wheel bracket. The upper bracket is centered on the frame rail and a 5/16" hole is drilled in the frame using the center hole in the front side of the upper bracket as a template. A washer-head self-tapping screw (N) is installed in the hole and torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). The rear bolt is torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm) for both methods.
On late model vehicles, there is a heat shield above and forward of the axle on the passenger (right) side that may be in the way of the U-bolt. If present, use a ratcheting wrench to remove the bolt holding the heat shield on the frame, set the spacer (KK) between the frame and heat shield, and reattach the heat shield with the stock bolt previously removed. The heat shield has sharp edges, so use caution when removing the bolt. Models without a heat shield proceed directly to U-bolt installation.
1. Push the lower bracket (C) forward or back to center it over the jounce bumper strike plate. 2. Insert a hex-head bolt (O) through a flat washer (S) and J-clamp (K). 3. Install the J-clamp with the short end under the jounce bumper strike plate with the bolt through the lower bracket. 4. Cap with a flat washer (S) and nylon lock nut (R). 5. Do this on the front and rear of the lower bracket and evenly torque both sides to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm) while keeping the lower bracket centered over the jounce bumper strike plate. 6. Repeat for the other side. On some models, it may be necessary to slightly pull down the hard brake line on the rear right (passenger's) side to install the lower bracket mounting hardware.
Drilling is required only for vehicles with a fifth-wheel hitch bracket. A 5/16" (8 mm) hole must be drilled in the frame using the center hole in the front side of the upper bracket as a template. For vehicles without a fifth-wheel bracket, the U-bolt mounting method does not require drilling. A 5/16" hole may also be drilled for Schrader valve installation if necessary, but pre-drilled locations are recommended.
No, the braided stainless steel air lines cannot be trimmed. If excess air line remains after installation, it must be coiled and secured in an area where it will not be susceptible to damage. Nylon air lines can be cut in half with a razor blade or hose cutter, but braided stainless steel lines must remain intact.
Nylon air lines should be cut in half using a razor blade or hose cutter, making clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters, as these will not produce a clean cut.
Recommended locations for Schrader valves include: (A) inside the fuel tank filler door, (B) inside rear wheel wells, or (C) license plate or rear bumper area. For LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus kits, the recommended location is the rear bumper area or license plate. A 5/16" (8 mm) hole must be drilled if necessary.
Air lines must be secured to fixed points along the chassis using zip ties. For nylon air lines, use zip ties at regular intervals and leave at least 2" (50 mm) of slack to allow for vehicle movement. The minimum bend radius for nylon air lines is 1" (25 mm). For braided stainless steel air lines, secure every 6" to 8" (150 to 203 mm) and leave at least 2" (50 mm) of slack. Do not pinch or kink the air lines. Keep at least 6" (150 mm) of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Avoid sharp bends and edges. Keep air lines away from fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wires.
Tighten the air line hex nut finger tight, then use two wrenches to turn one additional flat (1/6 of one full turn). Do not overtighten. The easiest way to tighten the fitting is off the vehicle before final installation.
The air line thermal sleeve (U) is a protective component that prevents air lines from being damaged by heat from the exhaust system. Slide the thermal sleeve over the air line and place it where the air line is closest to the exhaust, maintaining at least 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space between the sleeve and exhaust. Tie off the hose to the front hole or U-bolt (depending on the mounting method) with a zip tie to keep the hose away from the exhaust.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI (7 BAR). Although the air springs are rated at this maximum inflation pressure, the air pressure actually needed is dependent on load and gross vehicle weight rating. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI.
The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI (0.34 BAR). Air pressure is adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI.
No. For safety and to prevent possible damage to the vehicle, do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload rating as indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. The LoadLifter 5000 provides load-leveling support but does not increase the vehicle's weight capacity.
Compressed air can cause injury and damage to the vehicle and parts if it is not handled properly. The air springs must be fully installed and secured to the vehicle before inflation to ensure safe operation and prevent damage.
Keep at least 6" (150 mm) of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. The thermal sleeve should maintain at least 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space between the sleeve and exhaust. Avoid sharp bends and edges on air lines.
1. Clearance test: Inflate the air springs to 40-60 PSI (2.8-4.1 BAR) and ensure at least 1/2" (13 mm) clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve. Check the tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. 2. Leak test: Inflate the air springs to 40-60 PSI and check all connections for leaks. All leaks must be eliminated before road testing. 3. Heat test: Ensure sufficient clearance from heat sources, at least 6" (152 mm) for air springs and air lines. 4. Fastener test: Recheck all bolts for proper torque. 5. Road test: Drive the vehicle 10 miles (16 km) and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
Inflate the air springs to 40-60 PSI (2.8-4.1 BAR) and use a spray bottle with a dish soap and water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core for leaks. Bubbles will form at any leak location. All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI (7 BAR). If the system develops an air leak, use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating and removing the air spring.
Air pressure should be checked weekly to ensure proper system operation and load support.
Use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core to locate the leak. Bubbles will form at the leak location. All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested. If you cannot locate or repair the leak, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Remove the line holder on the left (driver's) side frame rail, the ABS line holders on both sides, and the jounce bumper. Relocate the emergency brake cable using a large frame clamp. The procedure varies depending on whether your truck has a fifth-wheel hitch bracket.
U-bolts: 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm). Lower bracket fasteners (front and rear): 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm) each, evenly torqued while keeping the bracket centered.
Keep at least 6" (150 mm) clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Use the thermal sleeve where the air line is closest to the exhaust, maintaining 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space. Secure the thermal sleeve with a zip tie to the front hole or U-bolt.
Maximum pressure is 100 PSI (7 BAR). Before road testing, inflate to 40-60 PSI and check for clearance (1/2" minimum from rubbing surfaces), leaks (using soapy water), heat clearance (6" minimum from exhaust), and fastener torque. Drive 10 miles and recheck.
Check air pressure weekly. Minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI (0.34 BAR). Always maintain normal ride height and never exceed 100 PSI (7 BAR).
Position the front upper bracket onto the frame rail so the center hole is in the middle of the frame and there is sufficient clearance between the fitting and the stock jounce bumper cup. If clearance is insufficient, reposition the bracket forward or backward slightly. The manual notes that proper positioning is critical to avoid interference during suspension movement.
On some models, it may be necessary to slightly pull down the hard brake line on the rear right (passenger's) side in order to install the lower bracket mounting hardware. Make a minor adjustment to the brake line routing to provide clearance for the lower bracket fasteners.
Use a spray bottle with a dish soap and water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core. Bubbles will form at any leak location. If you cannot locate or repair the leak yourself, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.
Call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for a replacement part. Do not proceed with installation if any parts are missing or damaged.
| Bulk # | Bulk 12-Pack # | Pkg # | Fits | Description | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For 4-Way Flat, 5-Way Flat and 6-Way Round Connectors | |||||
| 58300 | -- | 58301 | 4-way flat | -- | Gloss black |
| -- | -- | 58303 | 5-way flat | -- | Carbide black |
| -- | 57207 | 57208 | 4- or 6-way round sockets | -- | Gloss black |
| 58210 | -- | -- | 4- or 6-way round sockets | -- | Zinc-plated |
| For 7-Way Round and 7-Way RV Blade Connectors | |||||
| 58222 | -- | -- | 7-way round socket #58170 | -- | Zinc-plated |
| -- | 57205 | 57206 | 7-way RV blade socket #55415, #58150, #58220 | Increased strength | Gloss black |
| 58230 | -- | 58231 | 7-way RV blade sockets #58150 and #58220 | -- | Zinc-plated |
| 58290 | -- | 58291 | 7-way RV blade sockets #58150 and #58220 | -- | Gloss black |
| 58510 | -- | -- | 7-way RV blade sockets #58150 and #58220 | Increased strength | Gloss black |
| 58520 | -- | -- | 7-way USCAR factory Ford, GM, and Nissan sockets | -- | Gloss black |
| -- | 57016 | -- | 7-way and 4-way USCAR sockets #57015 and #57020 | -- | Gloss black |
| For Mounting Connector Brackets to Trailer Hitches | |||||
| -- | 57203 | 57204 | 4- or 5-way flat and 6-way round brackets | Short, universal clamp-on mount | Gloss black |
| -- | 57201 | 57202 | 7-way round or RV blade sockets | Long, universal clamp-on mount | Gloss black |
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