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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2002 - 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
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LoadLifter 5000 for Half-Ton Vehicles.
Air Lift adjustable air helper springs level your load, and give your Half-Ton truck a safer, more comfortable ride. Air springs are easy to install between your axle and the vehicle frame. Just add air when towing or hauling a heavy load, and reduce air pressure when unloaded, they are fully adjustable for a great ride. Air Lift air springs eliminate sag, sway, and bottoming out. They are made with rugged, durable components for long, reliable service. LoadLifter 5000 Heavy Half-Ton adjustable kits are Air Lift's heaviest-rated kits for hauling or towing heavy loads. They have leveling capacity right up to the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and are air adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI. LoadLifter 5000 Heavy Half-Ton adjustable kits fit such popular vehicles as 1/2, ton and one-ton pickup trucks, many Class A, B & C motor homes, and commercial trucks and other severe uses. They also come standard with a limited lifetime warranty and an exclusive 60 day ride satisfaction guarantee.
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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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2008 | Dodge Ram 1500 | — |
Kit 57257 is designed for Dodge 1500 2-wheel drive models. If your vehicle is 4-wheel drive, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 to confirm compatibility, as this manual covers 2-wheel drive applications only.
The LoadLifter 5000 is an air spring suspension system that uses reinforced, commercial-grade convolute bellows (manufactured like a tire with rubber and cord layers). It provides up to 5,000 lbs of load leveling support with air adjustability from 5–100 PSI. It is recommended for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, and some motor home applications.
No. Installing air springs does not change the GAWR, GCWR, or GVWR of your vehicle. You must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, as stated in your vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label. Exceeding GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Required tools include: hoist or floor jacks, two safety stands, safety glasses, torque wrench, standard open-end combo wrenches, ratchet, metric and standard sockets, #6 metric Allen wrench (socket if available), 7/32 Allen wrench (socket if available), very sharp 5/16" drill bit, heavy duty drill, hose cutter or sharp knife, air compressor or compressed air source, and spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.
The kit includes: 2 upper frame brackets (A), 2 upper bellows brackets (B), 2 lower brackets (C), 2 bellows (D), 4 roll plates (E), 4 carriage bolts 3/8-16 X 1.25" (G), 4 M10-1.5 X 35 button head screws (I), 12 3/8" nyloc nuts (J), 12 3/8" flat washers (K), 4 button head screws 3/8-24 X 7/8" (M), 2 90° swivel fittings (N), 4 self-tapping bolts 3/8 X .75" (O), 4 axle straps (S), 8 carriage bolts 3/8-16 X 3.0" (T), 4 3/8" lock washers (U), 4 hex bolts 3/8-12 X 7/8" (V), heat shield kit (W), air line assembly (AA), 6 tie straps (BB), 2 valve caps (CC), 2 5/16" flat washers (DD), 2 rubber washers (EE), 2 star washers (FF), and 4 5/16" hex nuts (GG).
The manual does not specify battery disconnection as a requirement for this installation. However, if you are uncomfortable working on your vehicle, professional installation is recommended.
You must remove the jounce bumper from under the frame rail on both sides. This is the only component removal specified in the installation instructions. The vehicle must be raised and supported on jack stands, and the axle must be dropped or the frame raised to create space for the assemblies.
Yes. You must drill two 5/16" holes to mount the inflation valves. These holes are drilled in a location you choose, such as the wheel well flanges, license plate recess in bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate. Additionally, if a jounce bumper bolt breaks during removal, you may need to drill a 5/16" hole for a self-tapping bolt as an alternative mounting method.
Yes. The air line assembly must be cut into two equal lengths. You must use a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife to make a clean, square cut. Do not use wire cutters or scissors, as these tools may flatten or crimp the air line, causing leaks around the O-ring seal inside the elbow fitting. Leave approximately 12" of extra air line after cutting.
The M10-1.5 X 35 button head screws (I) that attach the upper frame bracket (A) to the frame must be torqued to 30 ft-lbs.
The 3/8-24 X 7/8" button head screws (M) that attach the upper bellows bracket (B) to the air spring must be torqued to no more than 20 ft-lbs.
The 3/8-12 X 7/8" hex bolts (V) that attach the lower bracket (C) must be torqued to no more than 20 ft-lbs. After the axle is raised and the brackets are aligned, the lower bracket hardware must be evenly torqued to 10 ft-lbs.
The 3/8-16 X 1.25" carriage bolts (G) that attach the upper air spring and frame bracket must be torqued to 16 ft-lbs.
If a jounce bumper bolt breaks and you use the Tech Tip Option, the self-tapping bolt (O) must be torqued to 15 ft-lbs.
Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring. Maintain at least 6" of clearance between the air line and heat sources such as exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter. Avoid sharp bends and edges. Use plastic tie straps to secure the air line to fixed, non-moving points along the chassis. Tie straps should be tight but not pinch the air line. Leave at least 2" of slack to allow for movement that might pull on the air line.
Push the air line into the 90° swivel fitting until it bottoms out. Approximately 9/16" of air line should be in the fitting. This is a push-to-connect fitting.
Choose a convenient location such as the wheel well flanges, license plate recess in bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate. Drill two 5/16" holes. Place a 5/16" nut and star washer on the air valve, leaving enough valve exposed to extend through the hole with room for the rubber washer, flat washer, and 5/16" nut and cap. Approximately 1/2" of valve should be exposed after installation to easily apply a pressure gauge or air chuck. Push the inflation valve through the hole and secure it with the rubber washer, flat washer, and another 5/16" nut.
The minimum recommended air pressure is 5 PSI. The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure of 5 PSI will void the Air Lift warranty.
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 support approximately 40 lbs of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. The required air pressure varies depending on the state of the original suspension and the load distribution. Loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle. Always adjust air pressure to maintain normal ride height.
The vehicle can be lifted on a hoist for short-term service work such as tire rotation or oil changes without deflating the air springs. However, if the vehicle will be on the hoist for a prolonged period, support the axle with jack stands to take the tension off the air springs. If you need to raise the vehicle by the frame, deflate the system to the minimum pressure of 5 PSI to reduce tension on suspension and brake components.
Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI and ensure there is at least 1/2" clearance around each bellows away from anything that might rub against them. Check the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. Also maintain at least 6" clearance between the air springs and air lines and any heat sources such as exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter.
Inflate the air springs to 30 PSI. Spray all connections and inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. Spot leaks by looking for bubbles in the soapy water. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore normal ride height (not lower than 5 PSI). Check air pressure again after 24 hours. A 2–4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If the loss is more than 5 lbs, retest for leaks.
Perform the following checks: (1) Clearance test—inflate to 60 PSI and ensure at least 1/2" clearance around each bellows, checking tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. (2) Leak test—inflate to 60 PSI and check all connections with soapy water; all leaks must be eliminated before road testing. (3) Heat test—ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources; install heat shield if included. (4) Fastener test—recheck all bolts for proper torque and re-torque after 100 miles. (5) Road test—inflate to 25 PSI (or 50 PSI if loaded), drive 10 miles, and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Adjust pressure as needed to maintain the normal ride height for optimal ride and handling.
Check air pressure weekly and maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. If an air leak develops, use a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) to check all air line connections and inflation valve core before deflating. Periodically check fasteners for tightness and inspect air springs for rubbing; realign if necessary. Occasionally spray the air springs 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, for signs of rubbing or abrasion.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
If there is a problem with the swivel fitting: (1) Check the air line connection by deflating the spring, 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 1/2 turn. If it still leaks, deflate the air spring, remove the fitting, re-coat the threads with thread sealant, and 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 by removing it from the barbed fitting. Cut the air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use pliers or vice grips to pull/twist the air line off the fitting. Do not cut off the air line completely, as this will usually nick the barb and render the fitting useless.
Leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Inspect the air lines to ensure none are pinched—tie straps may be too tight; loosen or replace the strap. Inspect the air line for holes and cracks and replace as needed. Look for a kink or fold in the air line and reroute as needed. If these steps do not solve the problem, it may be caused by a failed air spring (factory defect or operating problem). Call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.
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 if loads such as water, fuel, and appliances cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side. As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon.
If the vehicle has a rough or harsh ride, it may be due to either too much pressure or not enough. Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. Stability issues such as roll control, bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess usually require an increase in pressure.
If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement. Stability should be the priority, meaning you may need to sacrifice a perfectly level and comfortable ride. Increase pressure to tune out stability issues including roll control, bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags if equipped. This is a stability issue that requires an increase in pressure.
If it is suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure. Bottoming out indicates insufficient air pressure to support the load.
Kit 57257 is designed for Dodge 1500 2-wheel drive models. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm compatibility if your vehicle is 4-wheel drive.
Yes. Cut the air line assembly into two equal lengths using a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife. Do not use wire cutters or scissors. Leave approximately 12" of extra air line after cutting.
Upper frame bracket bolts (M10-1.5 X 35): 30 ft-lbs. Upper bellows bracket bolts (3/8-24 X 7/8"): 20 ft-lbs max. Lower bracket bolts (3/8-12 X 7/8"): 20 ft-lbs max during assembly, then 10 ft-lbs after alignment. Upper bracket attachment (3/8-16 X 1.25"): 16 ft-lbs. Self-tapping bolt (Tech Tip Option): 15 ft-lbs.
Minimum: 5 PSI (recommended to maintain warranty). Maximum: 100 PSI. For loaded vehicles, use at least 25 PSI or more. Never exceed your vehicle's GVWR.
Inflate to 30 PSI and spray all connections and valves with a 1/5 dish soap and 4/5 water solution. Look for bubbles. A 2–4 PSI loss after 24 hours is normal; more than 5 PSI loss requires retesting.
Check air pressure weekly. Recheck fasteners after 100 miles and after 30 days or 500 miles. Periodically inspect for rubbing and clean debris with a garden hose.
At least 1/2" clearance around each bellows from tires, brake drums, frame, and shock absorbers. At least 6" clearance from heat sources like exhaust pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter.
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