Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Kit 57242Air LiftOriginal price was $667.99. Current price is $483.99.In Stock
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LoadLifter 5000 Leaf Spring Leveling Kit.
Air Lift adjustable air helper springs level your load, and give your truck, van, or SUV a safer, more comfortable ride. Air springs are easy to install between your existing springs 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 kits are Air Lift's heaviest-rated kits for hauling or towing heavy loads. They have up to 5,000 pounds of leveling capacity, right up to the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and are air adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI. LoadLifter 5000 kits fit such popular vehicles as 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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20 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 - 1986 | Chevrolet K10 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1973 - 1974 | Chevrolet K10 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1975 - 1981, 1983 - 1986 | Chevrolet K20 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1973 - 1974 | Chevrolet K20 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1977 - 1981, 1983 - 1986 | Chevrolet K30 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1973 - 1974 | Chevrolet K30 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1987 | Chevrolet V20 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1987 | Chevrolet V30 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1975 - 1978 | GMC K15 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1974 | GMC K15/K1500 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC K1500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1975 - 1978 | GMC K25 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K25/K2500 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC K2500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1977 - 1978 | GMC K35 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K35/K3500 Pickup | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC K3500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1987 | GMC V1500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1987 | GMC V2500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
| 1987 | GMC V3500 | Requires 8 in. Between Tire And Frame |
Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Kit. 57237 (Part #BBCG57237) is designed to fit the 1975-1986 Chevrolet K10.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Kit. 57237 (Part #BBCG57237) fits 1975-1986 Chevrolet K10 models. The 1987 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Kit. 57237 (Part #BBCG57237) fits the following vehicles: 1975-1986 Chevrolet K10; 1973-1974 Chevrolet K10 Pickup; 1975-1986 Chevrolet K20; 1973-1974 Chevrolet K20 Pickup; 1977-1986 Chevrolet K30; 1973-1974 Chevrolet K30 Pickup; 1987 Chevrolet V20; 1987 Chevrolet V30; 1975-1978 GMC K15; 1974 GMC K15/K1500 Pickup; 1979-1986 GMC K1500; 1975-1978 GMC K25; 1973-1974 GMC K25/K2500 Pickup; 1979-1986 GMC K2500; 1977-1978 GMC K35; 1973-1974 GMC K35/K3500 Pickup; 1979-1986 GMC K3500; 1987 GMC V1500; 1987 GMC V2500; 1987 GMC V3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Kit. 57237 (Part #BBCG57237) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The LoadLifter 5000 is an air spring suspension support system that provides up to 5,000 lbs of load-leveling support for 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, as well as motor home rear applications and various front applications with leaf springs. It uses reinforced commercial-grade single or double convolute bellows manufactured with layers of rubber and cords, and offers air adjustability from 5 to 100 PSI.
No. Installing the LoadLifter 5000 does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or payload of your vehicle. You must check your vehicle's owner's manual and never exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
The LoadLifter 5000 is recommended for most 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs. It is also used in motor home rear applications and various front applications where leaf springs are used. Consult the manual or contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle model and year.
The kit includes: 2 lower brackets (03102), 2 upper brackets (07130), 2 extended bellows (58496), 4 roll plates (11951), 4 U-bolts (10583), 8 frame bolts 3/8" x 1.5" (17159), 16 nyloc nuts (18435), 24 flat washers 3/8" (18444), 8 large flat washers 3/8" (18447), 2 swivel head elbows (21837), 8 hex cap screws 3/8" x 7/8" (17203), 8 lock washers 3/8" (18427), 1 air line assembly (20086), 6 tie straps (10466), 2 valve caps (21230), 2 rubber washers (18405), 2 small star washers (18411), 4 hex nuts 5/16" (21233), and 2 5/16" flat washers (18405).
The manual does not provide a specific tool list. However, based on the installation procedures, you will need tools to: raise and lower the vehicle, remove and install wheels, drill 3/8" and 5/16" holes, cut air lines (hose cutter, razor blade or sharp knife), tighten bolts and nuts, and apply thread sealant. A C-clamp or welding clamp is needed to hold the upper bracket during alignment. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for a complete tool list or to confirm whether professional installation is recommended.
Normal ride height is the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel-well to the center point of the hub with the vehicle in an "as delivered condition" (without a load such as a tool box or camper). You must measure and record this distance before beginning installation. All Air Lift kits are designed to be installed and operated at normal ride height. The vehicle must be raised and wheels removed to obtain normal ride height before starting installation.
The upper bracket must be installed with the "legs up" position only. Set a roll plate on both ends of the air spring with the radiused (rounded) edge of the roll plate towards the air spring so the air spring is seated in both roll plates. Align the holes in the roll plate with the holes in the air spring and loosely attach the upper bracket using two 3/8"-16x7/8" bolts, lock washers, and flat washers. Do not tighten fully at this stage.
The lower bracket must be installed with the flat edge and part number facing inboard. The bellows mounting slots (offset) must face outboard. Make sure the holes in the air spring, roll plate and lower bracket are properly aligned before attaching with two 3/8"-16x7/8" bolts, lock washers, and flat washers.
Tighten the bellows to both the upper and lower brackets to 20 lb.-ft. This applies to the bolts connecting the brackets to the air springs.
Torque the U-bolts that attach the lower bracket to the leaf spring to 20 lb.-ft.
Tighten all frame bolts and nuts to 20 lb.-ft. This applies to the 3/8"-16x1.5" frame bolts that attach the upper bracket to the vehicle frame.
Yes. You must drill 3/8" holes through the vehicle frame to mount the upper bracket. The manual specifies drilling one locator hole first, installing one frame bolt, checking alignment, then drilling a second hole on the opposite side before drilling the remaining two holes. You must also drill a 5/16" hole to install the inflation valves. Before drilling any frame holes, you must move aside hydraulic lines, gas lines and electrical wires on both sides of the frame to prevent damage.
Yes. Some vehicles may require the leaf spring U-bolts to be trimmed to allow the lower bracket to fit properly. The manual notes this as a possibility but does not specify which vehicles require this modification. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm whether trimming is needed for your vehicle.
On some vehicles, the outer flange of the axle jounce bumper bracket extends out from the frame rail and may interfere with the air springs. If this occurs, you must trim the outer flange of the bracket or remove the bracket assembly entirely to provide sufficient clearance from the bellows to the frame for the maximum inflated diameter of 7.0 inches.
There must be sufficient clearance between the air springs, the frame, and the tire and brake drum at the maximum inflated diameter of 7.0 inches. After installation, 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, including the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables.
Position the upper bracket so that it is parallel with the lower bracket. The kit mounts so that it follows the angle of the leaf springs. Align the assembly vertically and horizontally so that the distances between points X and Y are approximately equal, between 5 and 7 inches at normal ride height. Ensure at least four bolt holes (two on each side) are positioned on a flat section of the frame rail, and do not drill on the radiused edges of the frame.
Insert air line into the open port at the top of the air spring. Keep at least 6 inches of clearance between the air lines and any heat sources such as exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter. Avoid sharp bends and edges. Leave at least 2 inches of slack when securing the air lines with tie straps to allow for any movement that might pull on the air line. Cut the air line leaving approximately 12 inches of extra air line, then insert it into the 90° swivel fitting until it bottoms out (9/16" of air line should be in the fitting).
Choose a convenient location for mounting the inflation valves. Popular locations include the wheel well flanges, the license plate recess in the bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate. Whatever location is chosen, make sure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck. Drill a 5/16" hole to install the inflation valves.
When cutting or trimming the air line, use a hose cutter (Air Lift P/N 10530), a razor blade or a sharp knife. A clean, square cut will ensure that the line will not leak. Do not use wire cutters or scissors to cut the air line, as these tools may flatten or crimp the air line causing it to leak around the O-ring seal inside the elbow fitting.
The minimum recommended air pressure is 5 PSI, but the LoadLifter 5000 can safely be run at zero air pressure. The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. The air pressure actually needed depends on your load and GVWR. 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 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 of time, support the axle with jack stands in order to take the tension off of the air springs. If you need to raise the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce the tension on the suspension and brake components.
Complete the Installation Checklist and Post-Installation Checklist. The Post-Installation Checklist includes: (1) Clearance test — inflate to 60 PSI and ensure at least 1/2" clearance around each bellows; (2) Leak test — inflate to 60 PSI and check all connections with soapy water; (3) Heat test — ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources; (4) Fastener test — recheck all bolts for proper torque and re-torque axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts to 16 lb.-ft., then re-torque after 100 miles; (5) Road test — drive 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners and air leaks.
Inflate the air springs to 30 PSI. Spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. You should be able to spot leaks easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy water. 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. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 PSI.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. If you develop an air leak, 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 before deflating and removing the air spring. Periodically check the air spring system fasteners for tightness and check the air springs for any signs of rubbing, realigning if necessary. 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.
The springs in the LoadLifter 5000 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.
First, leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Inspect the air lines to be sure 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 there is a problem with the swivel fitting, 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, trimming 1" off the end of the air line with a clean, square cut, and reinserting the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. If it still leaks, tighten 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, check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. If these steps do not solve the problem, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
A 2 to 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. However, if the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI after 24 hours, there is a leak that must be fixed. 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 following the leak repair procedures or return to the installer for service.
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, but it requires significant effort. However, Air Lift offers optional on-board air compressor systems that allow you to inflate and deflate your air springs automatically or with the touch of a button from inside or outside the vehicle. These systems are available in single or dual path configurations with wireless, analog, or automatic control options.
The LoadLifter 5000 is recommended for most 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, motor home rear applications, and various front applications with leaf springs. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle model and year.
Tighten all bellows mounting bolts, U-bolts, and frame bolts to 20 lb.-ft. Axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts should be torqued to 16 lb.-ft and re-torqued after 100 miles.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI, but the system can safely run at zero pressure.
Perform a clearance test at 60 PSI (at least 1/2" around each bellows), a leak test with soapy water, a heat test (at least 6" from heat sources), a fastener test (all bolts torqued to specification), and a 10-mile road test to recheck clearance, fasteners and leaks.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first, and check all fasteners for tightness.
If the swivel fitting is leaking, first 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, trimming 1" off the end of the air line with a clean, square cut, and reinserting the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. If it still leaks, tighten 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, check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. If this does not resolve the leak, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for further assistance.
A 2 to 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI after 24 hours, there is a leak. Use a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) to check all air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Inspect the air lines for pinching (loosen or replace tie straps), holes, cracks, kinks or folds. If the preceding steps do not solve the problem, it may be caused by a failed air spring. Call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.
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