Air Lift Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 57354Air LiftOriginal price was $712.99. Current price is $516.99.In Stock
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1998 - 2013 Chevrolet Express 3500
Confirmed to Fit
2009 - 2012 Chevrolet Express 4500
Confirmed to Fit
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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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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 - 2013 | Chevrolet Express 3500 | — |
| 2009 - 2012 | Chevrolet Express 4500 | — |
Yes, the Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000. 57245 (Part #BBCG57245) is designed to fit the 1998-2013 Chevrolet Express 3500.
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000. 57245 (Part #BBCG57245) fits 1998-2013 Chevrolet Express 3500 models. The 2013 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000. 57245 (Part #BBCG57245) fits the following vehicles: 1998-2013 Chevrolet Express 3500; 2009-2012 Chevrolet Express 4500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000. 57245 (Part #BBCG57245) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, kit 57245 is designed for 1998-2012 Chevrolet 3500/4500 vehicles. The LoadLifter 5000 is recommended for ¾ and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs. Confirm your vehicle has leaf springs, as the kit is not compatible with coil spring suspensions.
The LoadLifter 5000 provides up to 5,000 pounds of load leveling support with air adjustability from 5–100 PSI. The springs support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. However, installation does not alter your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or payload, and you must not exceed the maximum load listed in your vehicle's owner's manual.
No. Adding air springs will not change the weight ratings (GAWR, GCWR and/or GVWR) of your vehicle. You must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's GVWR, as doing so is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Required tools include: standard open end or box end wrenches; ratchet with standard sockets; drill with 5/16" and 1/2" drill bits; torque wrench; hose cutter, razor blade or sharp knife; safety glasses; air compressor or compressed air source; and a spray bottle with dish soap/water solution for leak testing.
The kit includes 2 upper brackets (07847), 2 lower brackets (03020), 2 bellows (58407), 8 hex cap screws 3/8"-24×7/8" (17203), 8 split lock washers 3/8" (18427), 16 flat washers 3/8" (18444), 2 swivel fittings 90° (21837), 1 spacer (13232), 1 M8-1.25×35 bolt (17252), 2 M8 flat washers (18501), 1 hose assembly (20086), 4 axle straps (01815), 2 carriage bolts 1/2"-13×1-1/2" (17186), 8 carriage bolts 3/8"-16×3" (17277), 2 flat washers 1/2" (18414), 2 split lock washers 1/2" (18429), 2 nuts 1/2"-13 (18431), 8 nylon lock nuts 3/8"-16 (18435), 6 zip ties (10466), 2 serrated lock washers 5/16" (18411), 2 valve caps (21230), 4 hex nuts 5/16" (21233), and 2 flat washers 5/16" (21234).
Yes. Before beginning installation, measure and record the normal ride height, defined as the distance between the bottom edge of the fenderwell to the center point of the wheel with the vehicle in an "as-delivered condition" (without a load). This measurement is essential for later reference and to ensure proper installation and operation.
The manual does not specify that the battery must be disconnected for LoadLifter 5000 installation. However, you should consult your vehicle's owner's manual for any electrical safety precautions specific to your model.
The lower bracket bolts (3/8"-24×7/8" hex cap screws) should be torqued to 20 lb./ft. These bolts attach the lower bracket to the bottom plate of the air spring using two bolts, flat washers, and lock washers.
The 1/2" nut on the upper bracket should be torqued to 20 lb./ft.
The 3/8"-16×3" carriage bolts that attach the lower bracket and straps around the axle should be torqued to 20 lb./ft. The front 3/8" nylon lock nuts should be tightened first, then the rear nuts, to prevent interference with the brake line.
Yes. You must drill a 5/16" hole for each inflation valve in the rear bumper area or rocker panel flange. The manual specifies using a drill with 5/16" drill bits. Additionally, the exhaust heat shield may require trimming or bending to attain component clearance.
Yes. Installation of the LoadLifter 5000 kit requires an exhaust heat shield. The shield is attached with stainless steel clamps to the exhaust pipe with flanges bent inward. The shield may be trimmed or bent to attain component clearance. Bend tabs to provide 1/2" dead air space between exhaust pipes and heat shield and maximum clearance with air springs. Keep air lines at least 6 inches from the exhaust system.
Use a sharp knife or hose cutter and make clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters, as these tools may deform the air line, causing it to leak around fittings. Do not cut the lines at an angle. For a video demonstrating proper air line cutting, visit air-lift.co/cuttingairline.
Do not bend the 1/4" hose at a radius of less than 1". The hose should be straight for 1" before bending. Do not put side load pressure on the fitting.
The fitting is a push-to-connect type. Push and slightly turn the cut end of the air line into the fitting as far as it will go (5/16"). You will hear or feel a definite "click" when the air line is seated, indicating proper installation.
Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI during installation to test for air leaks by applying a soapy solution to all valve cores, fittings and connections. After the vehicle is lowered, inflate the air springs until normal ride height measurement is restored. Air pressure should be adjusted so that normal ride height is maintained at all times.
The air spring should have at least a "thumbs width" clearance between it and any interference during installation. After inflation to 60 PSI, there must be at least 1/2" clearance all around the bellows, away from anything that might rub against them. Be sure to check the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables.
Route the air line from the inflation valve location along the frame rail to the air springs, protecting it from direct heat from the muffler or tailpipe and keeping it away from sharp edges. The air line should not be bent or curved sharply. Keep air lines at least 6 inches from the exhaust system. Use the thermal sleeve on the exhaust side. Slide the thermal sleeve onto the air line from the cut end on the tail pipe side of the vehicle.
Leave sufficient hose slack to prevent any strain on the valve stem during normal axle motions. This prevents damage to the valve and fittings as the suspension moves.
Inflate the bellows and check the fittings for air leaks with a solution of soap and water. Apply the soapy solution to all valve cores, fittings and connections. Inspect the air lines to be sure none are pinched. Look for a kink or fold in the air line. If leaks are found, identify and replace leaking components.
A 5–7 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If pressure has dropped more than 7 PSI after 24 hours, retest for leaks with a soapy water solution. If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI after 24 hours of vehicle use, there is a leak that must be fixed.
Recheck air pressure after 24 hours. Perform a 30-day or 500-mile test (whichever comes first) to check all fasteners for tightness and inspect for any signs of rubbing or abrasion. Road test the vehicle after the preceding tests, driving 10 miles and rechecking for clearance, loose fasteners and air leaks. Re-torque axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts to 16 lb.-ft. after 100 miles.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI.
The recommended minimum air pressure is 5 PSI, but the LoadLifter 5000 can safely be run at zero air pressure. However, for loaded vehicles (those with a heavy bed load, a trailer or both), at least 25 PSI or more is required.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI, as improper use or over-inflation may cause the assembly to burst, causing property damage or severe personal injury.
Periodically check the air spring system fasteners for tightness and check the air springs for any signs of rubbing. Realign if necessary. On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel or other abrasive debris.
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. When raising the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce tension on the suspension/brake components. Use of on-board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection.
Yes. The LoadLifter 5000 can safely be run at zero air pressure. However, the recommended minimum air pressure is 5 PSI. For loaded vehicles (those with a heavy bed load, a trailer or both), at least 25 PSI or more is required to maintain proper ride height and handling.
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.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
When increasing load, always adjust the air pressure to maintain normal ride height. Increase or decrease pressure from the system as necessary to attain normal ride height for optimal ride and handling. Remember that loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle. Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently. The springs support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure.
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. Leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings in the control system. 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. 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, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
On models with disc brakes, make sure the emergency brake cable is above the upper bracket on the driver's side. Remove the bolt holding the cable onto the back-side of the passenger's side axle. Install the supplied spacer between the bracket and the emergency brake cable clip. Insert the supplied bolt and tighten the cable down securely.
Both axle straps will be attached between the leaf spring stack and the shock mount bracket. For models with disc brakes, the inside strap on the passenger-side goes between the emergency brake cable bracket and the shock bracket on the axle.
Yes, kit 57245 is designed for 1998-2012 Chevrolet 3500/4500 vehicles with leaf springs.
You need wrenches, ratchet with sockets, drill with 5/16" and 1/2" bits, torque wrench, hose cutter or sharp knife, safety glasses, air compressor, and a spray bottle with soapy water solution.
Torque the lower bracket bolts to 20 lb./ft.
Inflate to 60 PSI during installation to test for leaks. After lowering the vehicle, adjust pressure to restore normal ride height.
Check weekly. Always maintain normal ride height and never exceed 100 PSI.
A 5–7 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. If loss exceeds 7 PSI, retest for leaks with soapy water.
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, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Inspect air lines for pinching (loosen or replace tie straps), holes, cracks, kinks or folds. Replace leaking components and reroute as needed. If these steps do not solve the problem, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
Realign the air spring. The air spring should have at least a "thumbs width" clearance between it and any interference during installation, and at least 1/2" clearance all around the bellows after inflation to 60 PSI. Check the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables. If rubbing persists after realignment, the air spring may need to be remounted. If professionally installed, consult the installer.
Inspect the air line for scratches that run lengthwise, holes, cracks, kinks or folds. If the air line is damaged, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for a replacement. When cutting air lines, use a sharp knife or hose cutter and make clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters, as these tools may deform the air line.
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