Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Kit 88390Air LiftOriginal price was $887.99. Current price is $643.99.In Stock
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Offering up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling capacity, the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate kit from Air Lift will make towing and hauling a breeze.
Offering up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling capacity, the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate kit from Air Lift will make towing and hauling a comfortable and stress-free experience. For the ultimate ride comfort and protection, our fully-adjustable, industry leading air springs are the perfect partner for your vehicle, eliminating any issues that you might face. The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate 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 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 vehicle can be ready for any weight and any situation (NOTE: Do not exceed vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)). What sets the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate apart from other air spring kits is the built-in internal jounce bumper. An Air Lift exclusive, the jounce bumper inside the air spring prevents bottoming out, eliminating squat and trailer sway, even on rough roads. This replaces the factory jounce bumper and it completely maintenance free, running safely with zero air pressure. This added feature makes the kit the ULTIMATE in ride comfort and protection. As experts 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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Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Kit 88338 (Part #BBCG88338) is designed to fit the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Kit 88338 (Part #BBCG88338) fits the following vehicles: 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD; 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD; 2011-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 HD; 2011-2019 GMC Sierra 3500 HD. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Kit 88338 (Part #BBCG88338) fits 2011-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD models. The 2019 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE Air Spring Kit 88338 (Part #BBCG88338) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes. Kits 57338, 88338, and 89338 are designed for 2011-current Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD models. The kit does not alter the vehicle's GVWR or payload; you must not exceed the vehicle manufacturer's maximum load limits.
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. All three provide up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling support with air adjustability from 5–100 PSI.
Standard and metric open-end or box wrenches, ratchet, standard and metric sockets (regular and deep-well), 7/32" hex-key wrench, sharp 5/16" drill bits, heavy-duty drill, torque wrench, hose cutter or sharp knife, hoist or floor jacks, two safety stands, safety glasses, and an air compressor or compressed air source.
The manual does not specify battery disconnection as a requirement for this installation.
Drilling is required only if your truck has fifth-wheel hitch brackets along the frame rail. In that case, you must drill two 5/16" holes through the bottom of the frame to attach the upper brackets with self-tapping screws. For trucks without fifth-wheel hitch brackets, U-bolts are used instead and no drilling is required.
Torque U-bolts evenly in a criss-cross pattern to 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm).
Maintain at least 6" of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Avoid sharp bends and edges.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI.
The LoadLifter 5000 Series provides up to 5,000 pounds of load-leveling support combined on both springs. The springs support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. Actual load support depends on air pressure and vehicle load distribution.
This manual covers installation only for 2011-current Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD trucks. Air Lift Company manufactures kits for other vehicles; contact customer service at (800) 248-0892 or visit airliftcompany.com to determine compatibility with your specific vehicle.
Yes, but the installation method differs. If your truck has fifth-wheel hitch brackets along the frame rail, you must drill two 5/16" holes through the bottom of the frame and attach the upper brackets using self-tapping screws (K) torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). Standard U-bolt attachment cannot be used with fifth-wheel hitch brackets.
Yes. You must remove the jounce bumpers from the jounce bumper brackets on both sides by prying them out with a pry bar or large screwdriver. This is the first step in the installation process.
You must remove three bolts that hold the brake lines to the rear axle jounce bumper strike plates and pull the lines clear to make room for the lower bracket. The emergency brake cable must be removed from the driver's side frame rail and later reattached using the emergency brake cable bracket (Q) and 3/8" serrated flange lock nut (P). On the passenger's side, the emergency brake cable bracket may need slight bending to clear the lower bracket.
1. Set a roll plate (C) on both ends of the air spring (A) with the radiused edge toward the air spring. 2. Install the 90-degree elbow fitting (B) on top of the air spring, tightened finger tight plus 1.5 turns (tighten only on the metal hex nut; do not overtighten). 3. Install the upper brackets (D or E) onto the top of the air springs using 3/8" flat-head bolts (F), tightened securely. 4. Install the lower brackets onto the air spring assembly using 3/8" flat-head bolts, with the angled portion on the fitting side.
With the suspension hanging, set the left and right hand units over the axle jounce bumper strike plates. The fittings will be on the inside of the frame. Position the upper brackets to nest around the jounce bumpers that are under the frame.
Torque the two 3/8" carriage bolts (L) and clamp bar (M) assembly evenly to 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm).
Attach the emergency brake cable using the emergency brake cable bracket (Q) and 3/8" serrated flange lock nut (P). Use the inside forward leg of the U-bolt on the driver's side for the attachment and tighten securely. It may be necessary to pinch the clamp together with pliers to align the two holes closely enough to fit over the U-bolts.
Attach the brake lines that were removed from the rear of the axle by attaching them to the lower bracket with the new M8 screws (O) and flat washers (N) provided. Tighten securely. On the passenger's side, attach the brake cable forward of the axle with a new M8 screw (O) and flat washer (N), tightened securely. It may be necessary to slightly bend the bracket to clear the edge of the lower bracket.
Choose locations for the Schrader valves and drill a 5/16" hole if necessary. For LoadLifter Ultimate Plus kits, the recommended location is the rear bumper area or license plate. Begin by choosing locations and drilling 5/16" holes as needed.
Cut the air line in half using clean, square cuts with a razor blade or hose cutter. Do not use scissors or wire cutters, as these create poor cuts that can cause leaks.
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 air line. This applies to both nylon and braided stainless steel air lines.
No. The braided stainless steel air lines cannot be trimmed. Coil and secure any excess air line in an area where it will not be susceptible to damage.
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 air lines at least 6" from the exhaust system. Keep braided stainless steel air lines away from fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wires. Avoid sharp bends and edges.
Yes. Attach the metal heat shield to the exhaust where it is closest to the air spring. 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.
1. Inflate the air spring to 30 PSI. 2. Spray all connections and inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. 3. Look for bubbles in the soapy water to spot leaks. 4. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore normal ride height (do not deflate below 5 PSI). 5. Check air pressure again after 24 hours; a 2–4 PSI loss is normal. Retest for leaks if loss exceeds 5 PSI.
Inflate the air springs to 75–90 PSI and verify at least 1/2" clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve. Check the tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. Also ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources. If a heat shield was included, install it.
1. Perform a clearance test at 75–90 PSI. 2. Perform a leak test at 75–90 PSI on all connections. 3. Verify sufficient clearance from heat sources (at least 6"). 4. Recheck all bolts for proper torque. 5. Road test the vehicle after these tests, inflating springs to recommended driving pressures. Drive 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion, identify and move the source if possible. If relocation is not possible, the air spring may need to be remounted. Check all fasteners for tightness.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI.
The recommended minimum air pressure is 5 PSI. The system can safely be run at zero air pressure unladen (no load). However, loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure will void the Air Lift warranty.
A 'loaded vehicle' refers to a vehicle with a heavy bed load, a trailer, or both. Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. Remember that loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle.
The springs support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. Actual load support depends on the state of the original suspension and load distribution.
Yes. 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.
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 for service, ensure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce tension on suspension and brake components.
On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel, or other debris.
No. The installation of this kit does not alter the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload of the vehicle. Check the vehicle's owner's manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including passengers and cargo. This number is shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label. Payload is the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the truck is designed to carry, calculated as GVWR minus the base curb weight.
The driver's side has a brake line and a wiring harness running along the inside of the frame. Make sure the U-bolt is positioned between these items and the frame. Do not pinch these items between the U-bolt and frame.
On the passenger's side of some models, it may be necessary to bend the heat shield slightly to allow the U-bolt to go over the frame correctly.
1. Deflate the spring and remove the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line. 2. Trim 1" off the end of the air line, ensuring the cut is clean and square. 3. Reinsert the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. If the threaded connection leaks, tighten the swivel fitting another half 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.
1. Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. 2. Check the air line by removing it from the barbed type 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.
Check for an improperly installed air line, holes, or cracks. Leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings in the control system. Ensure air lines are seated in connectors and inspect fittings with soapy water. Trim hose or re-seal fitting as needed, ensuring lines are cut straight.
Look for a kink or fold in the air line. Replace any air line that has been kinked.
Pressure determination comes down to three things: level vehicle, ride comfort, and stability. 1. Level vehicle: If headlights shine into trees or the vehicle leans to one side, raise air pressure to level it. 2. Ride comfort: If the ride is rough or harsh, try different pressures to find the best comfort. 3. Stability: Prioritize stability over a perfectly level and comfortable ride. Stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess; these usually require increased pressure.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags if equipped.
If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement. Stability issues including roll control usually require an increase in pressure.
If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
Possible causes: improperly installed air line, air line has holes or cracks, or fitting seal or air line is compromised. Solutions: leak test 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 hose or re-seal fitting. Ensure lines are cut straight.
Cause: a kink or fold in the air line. Solution: replace any air line that has been kinked.
4 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2019 | Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
| 2011 - 2019 | Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
| 2011 - 2019 | GMC Sierra 2500 HD | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
| 2011 - 2019 | GMC Sierra 3500 HD | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
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