Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88398Air LiftOriginal price was $887.99. Current price is $643.99.In Stock
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Authorized Dealer1996 - 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500
Confirmed to Fit
2024 - 2025 Chevrolet Express 3500
Confirmed to Fit
1996 Chevrolet G30
Confirmed to Fit
1996 GMC G3500
Confirmed to Fit
1996 - 2026 GMC Savana 2500
Confirmed to Fit
1996 - 2024, 2026 GMC Savana 3500
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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Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88205 (Part #BBCG88205) is designed to fit the 1996-2026 Chevrolet Express 2500.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88205 (Part #BBCG88205) fits the following vehicles: 1996-2026 Chevrolet Express 2500; 1996-2026 Chevrolet Express 3500; 1996 Chevrolet G30; 1996 GMC G3500; 1996-2026 GMC Savana 2500; 2025 GMC Savana 3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88205 (Part #BBCG88205) fits 1996-2026 Chevrolet Express 2500 models. The 2026 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 with internal jounce bumper 88205 (Part #BBCG88205) 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 system that provides up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) of load-leveling support for the rear axle. It uses commercial-grade reinforced convolute bellows with an internal jounce bumper and allows air adjustability from 5–100 PSI (0.34–7 BAR). The system helps maintain ride height when towing or hauling heavy loads.
The manual states the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is designed for cars and trucks as specified by Air Lift Company, but does not list specific makes, models, years, cab styles, bed lengths or drivetrains. Contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 or (517) 322-2144 to confirm fitment for your vehicle.
The kit includes: 2 air springs (A), left and right upper brackets (B1, B2), 2 lower brackets (C), 2 elbow fittings (D), 4 axle straps (E), 8 bolts 3/8"-24 x 7/8" (F), 16 flat washers 3/8" (G), 8 lock washers 3/8" (H), 8 carriage bolts 3/8"-16 x 2 1/2" (I), 8 nylon lock nuts 3/8" (J), 4 self-tapping screws 3/8" x 1" (K), 1 heat shield (L), 1 thermal sleeve (M), 2 heat shield clamps (N), 16 feet of air line assembly (AA), 6 zip ties (BB), 2 valve caps (CC), 2 M8 flat washers (DD), 2 rubber washers (EE), 2 small star washers (FF), 4 5/16" hex nuts (GG), 4 hose clips (HH), 4 self-tapping screws (II), 1 spacer (JJ), and 1 M8-1.25 x 35 bolt (KK).
The manual specifies an open-end wrench for tightening the elbow fitting and a torque wrench for fastener torque specifications. A drill with a 5/16" bit is required to drill holes into the frame and for Schrader valve locations. A razor blade or hose cutter is needed for clean, square air line cuts. A hoist and safety jack stands are required to raise and support the vehicle. A screwdriver may be needed to pry out the factory jounce bumper.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. Contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for guidance specific to your vehicle.
Jack up the rear of the vehicle or raise it on a hoist. Place safety jack stands under the axle. The vehicle must be supported safely before any work begins. Read the entire installation guide before starting.
The upper bracket bolts (F) must be torqued to 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Use two bolts, lock washers (H), and flat washers (G) per upper bracket. Do not over-tighten.
Using an open-end wrench, tighten the 90-degree air swivel elbow fitting (D) to the top of the air spring 1 1/2 turns only. Tighten on the metal hex nut only. Do not over-tighten. The fitting is precoated with sealant.
The lower bracket bolts (F) must be torqued to 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Use two bolts, lock washers (H), and flat washers (G) per lower bracket.
The lock nuts (J) on the lower assembly must be torqued to 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm). Tighten the forward straps to the lower bracket first, then the back straps.
Yes. Remove the rubber jounce bumper by pulling it out of the slotted track or by prying it out with a screwdriver. This bumper will not be reused.
Set the assembly on the axle housing between the shock absorber bracket and the leaf spring. The unit must be aligned vertically and horizontally before final tightening. Loosely attach the lower bracket and straps around the axle using carriage bolts (I), flat washers (G), and lock nuts (J) first, then tighten after alignment.
On models with disc brakes, remove the bolt holding the cable onto the back-side of the passenger's side axle. Install the supplied spacer (JJ) between the bracket and the emergency brake cable clip. Insert the supplied bolt (KK) and tighten the cable down securely. The inside strap on the passenger's side goes between the emergency brake cable bracket and the shock bracket on the axle.
On the driver's side only, secure the breather tube away from the air springs using the provided zip ties (BB).
Yes. Two 5/16" holes must be drilled into the frame using the holes in the upper bracket as a template. Additionally, a 5/16" (8 mm) hole must be drilled for each Schrader valve location, unless the chosen location already has a hole.
The self-tapping screws (K) inserted into the frame holes must be torqued to 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm).
Cut the air line in half using a razor blade or hose cutter, making clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters.
The Schrader valves can be installed in one of three locations: (A) inside the fuel tank filler door, (B) inside the rear wheel wells, or (C) in the license plate or rear bumper area. Choose the location that works best for your vehicle and drill a 5/16" (8 mm) hole if necessary.
Use zip ties to secure the air line to fixed points along the chassis. Do not pinch or kink the air line. Leave at least 2" (51 mm) of slack in the air line to allow for vehicle movement. The minimum bend radius for the air line is 1" (25 mm). Keep at least 6" (152 mm) of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. Avoid sharp bends and edges.
The thermal sleeve (M) is a protective covering for the air line. Slide it over the air line and position it where the air line is closest to the exhaust system to protect against heat damage.
Attach the metal heat shield to the exhaust where it is closest to the passenger's (right) side air spring. Maintain at least 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space between the shield and the exhaust. Slide the air line thermal sleeve over the air line and position it where the air line is closest to the exhaust.
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI (7 BAR). Never inflate beyond this pressure. However, the actual air pressure needed is dependent on load and gross vehicle weight rating. Always maintain normal ride height.
The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI (0.34 BAR).
No. For safety and to prevent possible damage to the vehicle, do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload rating as indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. The air springs provide load-leveling support but do not increase the vehicle's weight capacity.
Keep at least 6" (152 mm) of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system. If a heat shield is included in the kit, install it. Maintain at least 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space between the heat shield and the exhaust.
After inflating the air springs to 40–60 PSI (2.8–4.1 BAR), there must be at least 1/2" (13 mm) clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve. Check the tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables.
Do not pinch the brake line under the strap or carriage bolt. On non-disc brake models, the brake line should be positioned between the carriage bolt and the axle housing. On disc brake models, follow the special installation procedure for the emergency brake cable.
Perform the following checks in order: (1) Clearance test—inflate to 40–60 PSI and verify at least 1/2" clearance from tires, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. (2) Leak test—inflate to 40–60 PSI and check all connections for leaks using soapy water; all leaks must be eliminated before road testing. (3) Heat test—verify at least 6" clearance from heat sources; install heat shield if included. (4) Fastener test—recheck all bolts for proper torque. (5) Road test—drive 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
Check air pressure weekly.
Use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core. If the system develops an air leak, perform this check before deflating and removing the air spring.
Yes. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI (7 BAR).
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is designed for cars and trucks as specified by Air Lift Company. Contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
You need a hoist and safety jack stands, a torque wrench, an open-end wrench, a drill with a 5/16" bit, a razor blade or hose cutter, and a screwdriver. Professional installation is recommended.
Upper and lower bracket bolts: 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm). Lower assembly lock nuts: 16 lb.-ft. (22 Nm). Frame self-tapping screws: 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm). Elbow fitting: 1 1/2 turns only, do not over-tighten.
Use zip ties to secure the air line to fixed points. Keep at least 6" clearance from the exhaust, at least 2" slack in the line, and maintain a minimum 1" bend radius. Do not pinch or kink the line.
Perform clearance test (1/2" minimum), leak test using soapy water, heat test (6" minimum from exhaust), fastener torque recheck, and a 10-mile road test before normal use.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height and never exceed 100 PSI. Use soapy water to check for leaks if the system develops an air leak.
Use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core. Leaks will appear as bubbles in the soapy water. All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested.
10 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Chevrolet Express 2500 | Boxed frame only |
| 1996 - 2025 | Chevrolet Express 2500 | Fits Express 2500 over 7,300 GVWR; Boxed frame only |
| 2026 | Chevrolet Express 3500 | Boxed frame only |
| 2024 - 2025 | Chevrolet Express 3500 | Fits Express 2500 over 7,300 GVWR; Boxed frame only |
| 1996 - 2023 | Chevrolet Express 3500 | Fits Express 3500 Passenger Van; Boxed frame only |
| 1996 | Chevrolet G30 | — |
| 1996 | GMC G3500 | — |
| 1996 - 2026 | GMC Savana 2500 | — |
| 1996 - 2024, 2026 | GMC Savana 3500 | — |
| 2025 | GMC Savana 3500 | Boxed frame only |
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