Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88347Air LiftOriginal price was $887.99. Current price is $643.99.In Stock
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1975 - 1986 Chevrolet C10 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1984, 1986 Chevrolet C20 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1977, 1979 - 1986 Chevrolet K10 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1984, 1986 Chevrolet K20 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1988 Chevrolet R10 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1989 - 1991 Chevrolet R1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1988 Chevrolet R20 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1989 - 1991 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1988 Chevrolet V10 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1989 - 1991 Chevrolet V1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1988 Chevrolet V20 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1989 - 1991 Chevrolet V2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1975 - 1978 GMC C15 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1974 GMC C15/C1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1979, 1981 - 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1975 - 1978 GMC C25 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1974 GMC C25/C2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1979 - 1986 GMC C2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1976 - 1978 GMC K15 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1974 GMC K15/K1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1979 - 1985 GMC K1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1975 - 1976, 1978 GMC K25 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1973 - 1974 GMC K25/K2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1980 - 1981, 1984 - 1986 GMC K2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1991 GMC R1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1991 GMC R2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1991 GMC V1500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
1987 - 1988, 1990 - 1991 GMC V2500 Suburban
Confirmed to Fit
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LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper to absorb shock for best ride comfort
Adjustable air spring kit for leaf springs
Rear
Safely run w/zero air pressure
LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE adjustable air spring kits feature all of the benefits of our heaviest rated air spring with the addition of an internal jounce bumper inside the spring for the ultimate in ride comfort. An Air Lift exclusive product! Fits vehicles with in-bed hitches. Tow and haul the heaviest loads with safety and comfort with LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE. Works with vehicle's leaf springs to provide up to 5,000 lbs. of front load leveling capacity and keeps the vehicle riding stable, level and comfortable whether loaded or unloaded. Fully adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI. The closed-cell urethane foam jounce bumper inside the ULTIMATE air springs provide a cushion of air that absorbs shock, eliminates harsh jarring on rough roads and protects vehicles carrying heavy loads. Never bottom out again with the ULTIMATE! LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE air springs are maintenance free! Safely run with zero air pressure because of the internal jounce bumper. Replaces factory jounce bumper that is sometimes removed when adding air springs. Includes industry-exclusive 60 Day No Questions Money Back Guarantee! Includes the most comprehensive Lifetime Warranty in the industry---covers all kit contents including brackets, fittings and air line. Air springs are built like a tire and are reinforced by durable, 2-ply fabric for maximum strength. Exclusive upper and lower roll plates included. Protect the springs from sharp edges, such as brackets or the frame. The kit includes 2 air springs, brackets, air lines, Schrader valve and all of the hardware needed for installation. Includes fully illustrated instruction manual. Add an Air Lift on-board air compressor system to inflate and deflate air springs with the touch of a button from inside or outside of the vehicle. Air Lift is a 3rd generation family owned company that has been manufacturing the highest quality suspension products in Lansing, MI.
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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Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime
28 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 - 1986 | Chevrolet C10 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1984, 1986 | Chevrolet C20 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1977, 1979 - 1986 | Chevrolet K10 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1984, 1986 | Chevrolet K20 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1987 - 1988 | Chevrolet R10 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet R1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1987 - 1988 | Chevrolet R20 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet R2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1987 - 1988 | Chevrolet V10 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet V1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1987 - 1988 | Chevrolet V20 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet V2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1975 - 1978 | GMC C15 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC C15/C1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1979, 1981 - 1986 | GMC C1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1975 - 1978 | GMC C25 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC C25/C2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC C2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1976 - 1978 | GMC K15 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K15/K1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1979 - 1985 | GMC K1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1975 - 1976, 1978 | GMC K25 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K25/K2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1980 - 1981, 1984 - 1986 | GMC K2500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
| 1987 - 1991 | GMC R1500 Suburban | For Leaf Spring Suspension May Require Exhaust Modification |
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Authorized DealerThe Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88221 (Part #BBCG88221) fits the following vehicles: 1975-1986 Chevrolet C10 Suburban; Chevrolet C20 Suburban; 1973-1986 Chevrolet K10 Suburban; Chevrolet K20 Suburban; 1987-1988 Chevrolet R10 Suburban; 1989-1991 Chevrolet R1500 Suburban; 1987-1988 Chevrolet R20 Suburban; 1989-1991 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban; 1987-1988 Chevrolet V10 Suburban; 1989-1991 Chevrolet V1500 Suburban; 1987-1988 Chevrolet V20 Suburban; 1989-1991 Chevrolet V2500 Suburban; 1975-1978 GMC C15 Suburban; 1973-1974 GMC C15/C1500 Suburban; GMC C1500 Suburban; 1975-1978 GMC C25 Suburban; 1973-1974 GMC C25/C2500 Suburban; 1979-1986 GMC C2500 Suburban; 1976-1978 GMC K15 Suburban; 1973-1974 GMC K15/K1500 Suburban; 1979-1985 GMC K1500 Suburban; GMC K25 Suburban; 1973-1974 GMC K25/K2500 Suburban; 1980-1986 GMC K2500 Suburban; 1987-1991 GMC R1500 Suburban; 1987-1991 GMC R2500 Suburban; 1987-1991 GMC V1500 Suburban; 1987-1991 GMC V2500 Suburban. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88221 (Part #BBCG88221) fits 1975-1986 Chevrolet C10 Suburban models. The 1991 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 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88221 (Part #BBCG88221) is designed to fit the 1975-1986 Chevrolet C10 Suburban.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88221 (Part #BBCG88221) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is an adjustable air helper spring kit designed for ¾ and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, and some motorhome applications. It uses reinforced, commercial-grade convolute bellows with an internal jounce bumper to provide up to 5,000 lbs of load leveling support. The air pressure is adjustable from 5–100 PSI, allowing you to level your vehicle under load and improve ride comfort and handling.
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is recommended for most ¾ and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, and is also used in motorhome rear kits and some motorhome fronts where leaf springs are used. The manual does not list specific vehicle models or years. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your vehicle.
No. The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is designed exclusively for vehicles with leaf springs. It is not compatible with coil spring suspensions.
No. Installing air springs will not change the weight ratings (GAWR, GCWR and/or GVWR) of your vehicle. You must not exceed your vehicle's GVWR, as stated in your vehicle's owner's manual. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Required tools include: 5/16", 7/16", 9/16" open-end or box wrenches; crescent wrench; ratchet with 9/16", metric, and 1/2" deep well sockets; 3/8" and 5/16" drill bits (very sharp); heavy duty drill; torque wrench; hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife; hoist or floor jacks; safety stands; safety glasses; air compressor or compressed air source; and spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.
Normal Ride Height is the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel-well and the center of the hub with the vehicle in its "as delivered" condition. You measure it before installation to establish a baseline. During installation, you raise the axle or lower the frame back to this height before drilling the frame mounting holes. This ensures the air springs are positioned correctly for proper suspension travel and alignment.
Yes. The manual states to remove the rear wheels after jacking up the rear of the vehicle or raising it on a hoist.
You must remove the jounce bumper and jounce bumper bracket. The air springs will mount in place of the jounce bumper assembly.
Yes. You must drill two 3/8" diameter holes in the frame for the upper bracket mounting bolts, and one additional 3/8" diameter hole on the outboard side of the frame rail. You must also drill a 5/16" hole to install the inflation valves. Before drilling, ensure all hydraulic, fuel, and electrical lines are cleared out of the way or shielded.
The manual states that it may be necessary to move or modify the exhaust. A heat shield is included in the kit to protect the air lines from exhaust heat. If exhaust modification is required for your vehicle, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for specific guidance.
Lower the suspension an additional 2–3 inches beyond the normal ride height position to provide sufficient clearance to install the air spring unit. You can do this by lowering the axle or raising the frame, depending on how the vehicle is supported.
Tighten both the upper and lower brackets to the bellow to 20 ft-lbs. The upper bracket is slotted for final adjustment after installation is complete.
Frame bolts (part K) should be tightened to 16 ft-lbs.
The axle clamp carriage bolt lock nuts should be torqued to 16 ft-lbs. It is important to tighten the forward straps to the lower bracket first, and then the back.
Using an open-end wrench, tighten the 90-degree air swivel fitting (E) 1 and 1/2 turns only. Tighten on the metal hex nut only and do not over tighten. The fitting is precoated with sealant.
Use a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife to cut the air line. A clean, square cut will ensure against leaks. Do not use wire cutters or scissors, as these tools may flatten or crimp the air line, causing it to leak around the O-ring seal inside the elbow fitting.
Cut off the air line leaving approximately 12" of extra air line. Insert the air line into the 90° swivel fitting until it bottoms out. Approximately 9/16" of air line should be in the fitting.
Choose a convenient location for the inflation valves with enough clearance for an air chuck. Popular locations include wheel well flanges, license plate recess in bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate itself. Drill a 5/16" hole at the chosen location.
Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring. Keep 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 suspension movement. On the exhaust side only, place the provided thermal sleeve on the air line near the exhaust.
Bend the heat shield tabs to provide a 1/2" dead air space between the exhaust pipe and heat shield. Attach the heat shield to the exhaust pipe using the provided clamps. Bend the heat shield for maximum clearance to the air spring.
Inflate the air spring to 60 PSI. Spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. Look for bubbles in the soapy water to spot leaks. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore the Normal Ride Height, but not less than 10 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 lbs.
Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI and ensure there is at least 1/2" clearance around each bellow, away from anything that might rub against them. Be sure to check the tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion after 30 days or 500 miles, the source should be identified and moved if possible.
Recheck all bolts for proper torque after installation. Axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts should be retorqued to 16 ft-lbs after 100 miles. Also recheck the air spring system fasteners periodically for tightness.
The minimum recommended air pressure is 5 PSI, but the air springs can safely be run at zero air pressure. The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Never exceed 100 PSI.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Regardless of load, the air pressure should always be adjusted to maintain ride height at all times.
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 in this 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. Never exceed your vehicle's GVWR, regardless of air spring pressure or other load assist.
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 in order to take the tension off of 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 the tension on the suspension/brake components.
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 is labor-intensive. An optional on-board air compressor system can provide convenient, on-the-go control of your air springs from inside or outside the vehicle.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose in order to remove mud, sand, gravel or other abrasive debris.
If there is a problem with the swivel fitting, first 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. Be sure the cut is clean and square. Reinsert the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. 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, and re-coat the threads with thread sealant. 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, first check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. If that does not work, check the air line connection by removing the air line from the barbed type fitting. Do not cut it off, as this will usually nick the barb and render the fitting useless. Cut air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use a pair of pliers or vise-grips to pull/twist the air line off the fitting.
If the air springs are losing pressure, perform these checks in order: 1) Leak test the air line connections and threaded connection of the elbow into the air spring. 2) Leak test the inflation valve for leaks at the air line connection or dirt or debris in the valve core. 3) Inspect air lines to be sure they are not pinched; tie straps may be too tight. Loosen or replace the strap. 4) Inspect air line for holes and cracks and replace as needed. 5) Check for a kink or fold in the air line and reroute as needed. If these steps do not resolve the problem, the issue is most likely a failed air spring. Call Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892 for assistance or a replacement.
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. Spray the solution on all connections and look for bubbles to identify the leak location.
Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently. Start with the vehicle level or slightly above. When in doubt, always add air.
Pressure determination comes down to three things: level vehicle, ride comfort, and stability. 1) Level vehicle: If the vehicle's headlights are shining into the trees or the vehicle is leaning to one side, raise the air pressure to level it. 2) Ride comfort: If the vehicle has a rough or harsh ride, try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. 3) Stability: Stability translates into safety and should be the priority. Stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess. Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure. Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride.
If it is suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped.
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is designed for ¾ and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, and some motorhome applications. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
You will need wrenches (5/16", 7/16", 9/16"), a ratchet with sockets, a heavy duty drill with 3/8" and 5/16" bits, a torque wrench, a hose cutter or sharp knife, jacks and safety stands, safety glasses, an air compressor, and a spray bottle with soapy water.
Upper and lower brackets to bellow: 20 ft-lbs. Frame bolts: 16 ft-lbs. Axle clamp carriage bolts: 16 ft-lbs. Retorque axle bolts after 100 miles.
Minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI (can run at zero PSI). Maximum is 100 PSI. Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. Check pressure weekly and maintain normal ride height.
Inflate to 60 PSI and check for leaks with soapy water. Ensure ½" clearance around each bellow. Verify heat shield clearance (6" minimum from exhaust). Retorque all fasteners. Road test for 10 miles and recheck clearance and fasteners.
No. You can use any compressor, even a bicycle pump. An optional on-board system provides convenient in-vehicle control.
No. Air springs do not change GVWR, GAWR, or payload. You must not exceed your vehicle's GVWR.
If properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely. Check pressure weekly, maintain normal ride height, and inspect for rubbing or abrasion.
1) Leak test all air line connections and the elbow fitting threaded connection with soapy water. 2) Leak test the inflation valve core and air line connection. 3) Check that air lines are not pinched by tie straps. 4) Inspect air lines for holes, cracks, kinks or folds. 5) If pressure loss exceeds 5 PSI after 24 hours, there is a leak that must be fixed. If these checks do not identify the problem, the air spring may have failed. Call Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892.
First, deflate the spring and remove the air line by pulling the collar and pulling firmly. Trim 1" off the end of the air line with a clean, square cut. Reinsert the line into the fitting. If it still leaks, tighten the swivel fitting another 1/2 turn. If still leaking, deflate, remove the fitting, re-coat the threads with thread sealant, and reinstall by hand tightening, then two additional wrench turns.
First, tighten the valve core with a valve core tool. If that does not work, remove the air line from the barbed fitting by cutting the air line a few inches in front of the fitting and using pliers or vise-grips to pull/twist the line off. Do not cut the line at the fitting, as this will nick the barb and ruin it.
Check for pinching by tie straps (loosen or replace them). Inspect the entire line for holes, cracks, kinks or folds and replace or reroute as needed. If the line was cut with wire cutters or scissors, it may be flattened or crimped. Replace the damaged section. Ensure the line is inserted fully into the fitting (9/16" into the swivel fitting).
The vehicle is not level. Raise the air pressure to correct this problem and level the vehicle. You may need to use different pressures on each side if the load is uneven.
A rough or harsh ride may be due to either too much pressure or not enough. Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. If the vehicle is bouncing excessively, increase the pressure. If the ride is still harsh, you may need to adjust pressure further or check that the air springs are not bottoming out.
Stability issues such as bounce, sway and body roll usually require an increase in pressure. Adjust the air pressure up to reduce movement and improve stability. If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped.
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