Air Lift Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 57354Air LiftOriginal price was $712.99. Current price is $516.99.In Stock
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2013, 2015 - 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Confirmed to Fit
2011 - 2012, 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Confirmed to Fit
2011, 2013, 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Confirmed to Fit
2012, 2014, 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Confirmed to Fit
2011, 2013 - 2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty
Confirmed to Fit
Confirmed to Fit
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LoadLifter 5000 Leaf Spring Leveling Kit.
Offering up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling capacity, the LoadLifter 5000 kit from Air Lift will make towing and hauling with your Ford F-250/350/450 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 Ford 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.
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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6 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013, 2015 - 2016 | Ford F-250 Super Duty | Fits factory in: bed hitch system Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Does not fit cab & chassis applications Fits SRW and DRW |
| 2011 - 2012, 2014 | Ford F-250 Super Duty | Fits SRW and DRW Does not fit cab & chassis applications Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Fits factory in: bed hitch system |
| 2011, 2013, 2015 | Ford F-350 Super Duty | Fits factory in: bed hitch system Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Does not fit cab & chassis applications Fits SRW and DRW |
| 2012, 2014, 2016 | Ford F-350 Super Duty | Fits SRW and DRW Does not fit cab & chassis applications Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Fits factory in: bed hitch system |
| 2011, 2013 - 2014 | Ford F-450 Super Duty | Fits factory in: bed hitch system Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Does not fit cab & chassis applications Fits SRW and DRW |
| 2012 | Ford F-450 Super Duty | Fits SRW and DRW Does not fit cab & chassis applications Compatible with most side: mount fifth wheel hitch applications Fits factory in: bed hitch system |
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000 57396 (Part #BBCG57396) fits the following vehicles: Ford F-250 Super Duty; 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty; 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000 57396 (Part #BBCG57396) fits Ford F-250 Super Duty models. The 2013 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000 57396 (Part #BBCG57396) is designed to fit the Ford F-250 Super Duty.
The Air Lift LOADLIFTER 5000 57396 (Part #BBCG57396) 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 load-leveling support for 3/4- and 1-ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs. It uses reinforced, commercial-grade air springs that provide up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling support with air adjustability from 5–100 PSI. The kit helps level the vehicle when carrying heavy loads and improves ride comfort and stability.
Yes. Kits 57396, 88396, and 89396 are designed for Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 with single and dual rear wheels in 4-wheel drive configuration. The manual does not specify whether these kits fit 2-wheel drive models, other Ford truck models, or specific model years beyond the F-250/F-350/F-450 designation.
There are three versions: (1) Standard LoadLifter 5000 with zinc-plated steel roll plates and black nylon air lines; (2) LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate with black powder-coated roll plates and black nylon air lines; (3) LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus with stainless steel roll plates, braided stainless steel air lines, and stainless steel air spring mounting hardware. The kits are easily identified by looking at the roll plates and air lines.
Yes. Air Lift offers two Ultimate Plus upgrade kits: part 52300 (braided stainless steel air line and fittings) and part 52301 (stainless steel roll plates, air spring mounting hardware, braided stainless steel air lines and fittings).
Required tools include: standard and metric open-end or box wrenches; ratchet with standard and metric sockets; 5/16" drill bit (very sharp); heavy-duty drill; torque wrench; standard and metric hex-key wrenches; hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife; hoist or floor jacks; two safety stands; safety glasses; air compressor or compressed air source; and spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. However, it does require disconnecting the wiring harness from the driver's side frame rail to gain clearance for the upper brace, and pushing out the harness connector for the gas/urea tank lines.
Raise the vehicle and support it using jack stands or equivalent so that the axle can be safely dropped away from the frame. This is necessary to position the air spring assembly between the axle and frame. Then remove the jounce bumpers from under the frame over the axle. Wire brush the stud on the jounce bumper and use penetrating oil to help with removal; the socket size for the nut is usually 15mm.
Drilling may be required depending on your fifth-wheel hitch configuration. If you have an aftermarket fifth-wheel hitch with an outer bracket that does not have attaching hardware on the slot side of the frame, you must drill a 1/2" hole through the plate using the slot in the frame as a template. Drill the hole as far to the rear of the slot as possible. You must clear any electrical or hard lines from the area before drilling to avoid damaging them. The manual does not require drilling for standard installations without an aftermarket hitch.
The L-bracket (part L) is used to reattach the emissions line holder or wiring retaining clip that was previously removed from the frame during installation. It is attached to the back frame brace using a 1/4"-20 x 1" hex cap screw (M), #12 flat washers (S), and 1/4"-20 nylon lock nut (U). The L-bracket must be installed so the flat side points up when tightening.
1. Set roll plates (I) over the top and bottom of the air spring (J) with the radiused edge toward the air spring. 2. Install the swivel elbow fitting (K) into the top of the air spring finger tight, then tighten one and a half turns. 3. Insert a 5/16"-18 x 3/4" carriage bolt (EE) through the square hole in the lower bracket cup (B) on the flanged side. 4. Set the assembly onto the lower bracket main plate (A). 5. Flip over and cap the bolt with a 5/16" flat washer (II) and 5/16"-18 nylon lock nut (KK), tightening only enough so the cup still swivels. 6. Insert a 3/8"-16 x 10" carriage bolt (GG) into the lower bracket. 7. Attach the air spring to the bracket using 3/8"-24 x 3/4" flat-head screws (LL) torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm).
The 3/8"-24 x 3/4" flat-head screws (LL) that attach the air spring to the bracket must be torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm).
The 3/8"-24 x 7/8" hex cap screws (MM) that attach the upper bracket to the air spring must be torqued to no more than 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Use two 3/8" flat washers (W for standard/Ultimate or X for Ultimate Plus) and 3/8" lock washers (NN) with each screw.
The 3/8"-16 x 1.25" carriage bolts (P) that connect the assembly to the frame must be torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). Cap them with 3/8" flat washers (W) and 3/8" nylon lock nuts (V).
The 3/8"-16 x 10" carriage bolts (GG) that secure the axle clamp bar (G) must be torqued to 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm). Tighten evenly until the clamp bar touches the axle.
The leaf spring U-bolt (DD) hardware must be torqued to 10 lb.-ft. (13.6 Nm). Once tight, the upper and lower brackets will not be parallel and may look out of alignment, but this is normal due to the bracket mount design.
The spacer (H) has an offset hole and must be installed so that the wide portion faces the outside of the vehicle. The spacer is set over the 3/8"-16 x 2" carriage bolts (N) on the upper brackets.
The radiused (rounded) edge of the roll plate (I) must face toward the air spring so that the air spring is seated inside both roll plates. Roll plates are set over the top and bottom of the air spring (J).
Install the swivel elbow fitting (K) into the top of the air spring finger tight, then tighten it one and a half turns. Do not overtighten.
The 5/16"-18 nylon lock nut (KK) on the 5/16"-18 x 3/4" carriage bolt (EE) should be tightened only enough so that the cup still swivels on the lower bracket main plate (A). This allows the cup to move freely while remaining secure.
Be sure not to pinch the previously moved wiring or lines inside the left frame rail when installing the driver's side brace. The wiring harness was disconnected in the Getting Started section and must be protected during brace installation.
The driver's side brace (E) uses an M8-1.25 x 25mm hex cap screw (Q) and an M8-1.25 nylon lock nut (BB) for the initial hole. The passenger's side brace (C) requires a 1/2" thick flat washer (HH) or 3/4" washer (JJ) to be installed between the brace and frame before inserting the 1/2"-13 x 1.5" hex cap screw (O). The 1/2" thick washer has a 1/2" hole and is a thick washer, not a half-inch thick washer.
1. Push the lower bracket up against the stock U-bolts so the legs lock into position around them. Rotate the bracket on the jounce bumper strike plate if necessary. 2. Make sure the cup on the bottom is nested onto the jounce bumper strike plate with flanges touching the strike plate on both front and back. If it does not sit correctly, rotate or move the cup (it swivels on the main plate). 3. Position the U-bolt (DD) around the leaf spring assembly and insert in the hole closest to the leaf spring stack. The lower bracket flanges must be locked on the front and rear of the stock U-bolts.
1. Cap the U-bolts with two 3/8" flat washers (W) and two 3/8"-16 nylon lock nuts (V) and evenly tighten only enough to draw the bracket up against the stock U-bolt. 2. Make sure the bracket rests against the stock U-bolts. 3. Insert the remaining 3/8"-16 x 10" carriage bolts (GG) and set the clamp bar (G) over them, capping with 3/8" flat washers (W) and 3/8" nylon lock nuts (V). Leave loose at this time. 4. Tighten the axle clamp bar hardware evenly until it touches the axle and torque to 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm). 5. Torque the leaf spring U-bolt hardware to 10 lb.-ft. (13.6 Nm).
Do not pinch the hard brake line on the passenger's side while tightening. It may be necessary on some models to not tighten the axle clamp bar evenly on the right side (passenger's side) so that the clamp bar will clear the hard brake line.
After torquing the axle clamp bar bolts to 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm), trim the 3/8"-16 x 10" carriage bolts below the nylon lock nuts if necessary. This prevents the bolts from protruding excessively.
The LoadLifter 5000 Series offers two air line styles: (1) Nylon air lines (black) included in standard and Ultimate kits, and (2) Braided stainless steel air lines included in Ultimate Plus kits. The nylon lines can be cut to length, while the braided stainless steel lines cannot be trimmed and must be coiled and secured if excess length exists.
Cut the nylon air line in half using a razor blade or hose cutter, making clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters, as these create bad cuts that compromise the fitting seal.
The minimum bend radius for nylon air lines is 1". Avoid sharp bends and edges. Use zip ties to secure the air line to fixed points along the chassis without pinching or kinking it. Leave at least 2" of slack in the air line to allow for any movement that might pull on the line.
Recommended locations for Schrader valves are: (A) inside the fuel tank filler door, (B) inside rear wheel wells, or (C) license plate or rear bumper area. For LoadLifter Ultimate Plus kits, the recommended location is the rear bumper area or license plate. A 5/16" hole must be drilled if necessary at the chosen location.
Use zip ties to secure the braided stainless steel air line to fixed points along the chassis every 6" to 8". Leave at least 2" of slack to allow for any movement that might pull on the air line. Coil and secure any excess air line in an area where it will not be susceptible to damage. The braided stainless steel air line cannot be trimmed.
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 installation.
Keep at least 6" of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Avoid sharp bends and edges. If a heat shield was included in the kit, install it. If there is no heat shield but one is required, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Attach the metal heat shield to the exhaust where it is closest to the air spring. Slide the air line thermal sleeve over the air line and place it where the air line is closest to the exhaust. Maintain a 1/2" dead air space. Double up hose clamps if necessary and bend tabs as needed.
No. Installing air springs will not change the weight ratings (GAWR, GCWR and/or GVWR) of a vehicle. The installation does not alter the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload of the vehicle. You must check the vehicle's owner's manual and not exceed the maximum load listed for the vehicle. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Although the air springs are rated at a maximum inflation pressure of 100 PSI, the air pressure actually needed is dependent on load and GVWR. Never exceed 100 PSI.
The recommended minimum air pressure is 5 PSI. However, the air springs can safely be run at zero air pressure. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure will void the Air Lift warranty.
Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. A "loaded vehicle" refers to a vehicle with a heavy bed load, a trailer, or both. Never exceed GVWR, regardless of air spring, air pressure or other load assist. The springs in this kit will support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure.
Before operating, perform the following checks: (1) Clearance test—inflate to 75–90 PSI and ensure at least 1/2" clearance from anything that might rub (tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, brake cables); (2) Leak test—inflate to 75–90 PSI and check all connections for leaks; (3) Heat test—ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources; (4) Fastener test—recheck all bolts for proper torque; (5) Road test—drive 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners and air leaks; (6) Overnight leak down test—recheck pressure after 24 hours; (7) Thirty-day or 500-mile test—recheck the system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first.
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. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 PSI.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI.
On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel or other 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. If it becomes necessary to raise 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.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
When increasing load, always adjust 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. 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. Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently.
If the system won't maintain pressure overnight, perform a leak test on the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings in the control system. Check to make sure air lines are seated in connectors. Inspect fittings with soapy water. Trim the hose or re-seal the fitting. Ensure lines are cut straight. Look for a kink or fold in the air line and replace any air line that has been kinked.
Look for a kink or fold in the air line. Replace any air line that has been kinked. If the problem persists, perform a leak test using soapy water on all connections and fittings.
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) Check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another half 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 and 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 the air line from the barbed type fitting. Cut the air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use a pair of pliers or vice grips to pull/twist the air line off of the fitting. Do not cut off the air line completely as this will usually nick the barb and render the fitting useless.
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.
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 translates into safety and should be the priority, meaning the driver may need to sacrifice a perfectly level and comfortable ride. Stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess. Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped.
If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement.
Yes, these kits fit Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 with single and dual rear wheels in 4-wheel drive configuration. The manual does not specify model years or whether they fit 2-wheel drive models.
You need: wrenches and sockets (standard and metric), 5/16" drill bit, heavy-duty drill, torque wrench, hex-key wrenches, hose cutter or razor blade, hoist or floor jacks, two safety stands, safety glasses, air compressor, and spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.
Air spring mounting screws: 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Upper bracket to air spring: 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Frame carriage bolts: 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). Axle clamp bar: 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm). Leaf spring U-bolts: 10 lb.-ft. (13.6 Nm).
Keep at least 6" of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Avoid sharp bends and edges. Install the heat shield if included in the kit.
Inflate the air springs to 30 PSI and spray all connections with a 1/5 dish soap and 4/5 water solution to check for leaks. Look for bubbles to spot leaks. A 2–4 PSI loss after 24 hours is normal; more than 5 PSI indicates a leak that must be fixed.
Check air pressure weekly. Perform a 30-day or 500-mile inspection (whichever comes first) to check for rubbing, abrasion, and fastener tightness. Periodically spray air springs with a garden hose to remove debris.
Possible causes: improperly installed air line, air line with holes or cracks, or compromised fitting seal. Solution: perform a leak test on all air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Check that air lines are seated in connectors. Inspect fittings with soapy water. Trim 1" off the end of the air line if necessary, ensuring a clean, square cut, and reinsert into the push-to-connect fitting.
Possible cause: kink or fold in the air line. Solution: look for a kink or fold in the air line and replace any air line that has been kinked. If the problem persists, perform a leak test using soapy water on all connections and fittings.
Possible causes: incorrect air pressure or uneven load distribution. Solution: if the headlights are shining into the trees or the vehicle is leaning to one side, raise the air pressure to level the vehicle. It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle, as loads such as water, fuel, and appliances will cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side.
Possible cause: incorrect air pressure (either too much or too little). Solution: try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement. If the front dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags if equipped.
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