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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1991 - 1994, 1996 - 1998 Chevrolet C1500
Confirmed to Fit
1988 - 1995 Chevrolet C1500
Confirmed to Fit
1988 - 1995 GMC C1500
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 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
20 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 - 1994, 1996 - 1998 | Chevrolet C1500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1995 | Chevrolet C1500 | Standard Cab Pickup | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | Chevrolet C2500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | Chevrolet C3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1998 | Chevrolet K1500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | Chevrolet K2500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | Chevrolet K3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1989 | Chevrolet R2500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet R3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 | Chevrolet V30 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1989 - 1991 | Chevrolet V3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1996 - 1998 | GMC C1500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1995 | GMC C1500 | Standard Cab Pickup | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | GMC C2500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | GMC C3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1998 | GMC K1500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | GMC K2500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 2000 | GMC K3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1991 | GMC R3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
| 1988 - 1991 | GMC V3500 | — | Does not fit if axle to frame distance is 7.25" or less |
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88216 (Part #BBCG88216) fits the following vehicles: 1988-1998 Chevrolet C1500; 1988-2000 Chevrolet C2500; 1988-2000 Chevrolet C3500; 1988-1998 Chevrolet K1500; 1988-2000 Chevrolet K2500; 1988-2000 Chevrolet K3500; 1989 Chevrolet R2500; 1989-1991 Chevrolet R3500; 1988 Chevrolet V30; 1989-1991 Chevrolet V3500; 1988-1998 GMC C1500; 1988-2000 GMC C2500; 1988-2000 GMC C3500; 1988-1998 GMC K1500; 1988-2000 GMC K2500; 1988-2000 GMC K3500; 1988-1991 GMC R3500; 1988-1991 GMC V3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88216 (Part #BBCG88216) is designed to fit the 1988-1998 Chevrolet C1500.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88216 (Part #BBCG88216) fits 1988-1998 Chevrolet C1500 models. The 2000 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 88216 (Part #BBCG88216) 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 truck rear axles. It uses reinforced, commercial-grade convolute bellows with an internal jounce bumper and allows air pressure adjustment from 5–100 PSI (0.34–7 BAR) to maintain normal ride height under varying loads. The system is designed for towing and hauling with improved safety and comfort.
Kit 88216 is designed for trucks with rear axles, but the manual does not specify which makes, models, or model years are compatible. The installation process varies by truck tonnage (1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, 1-ton single rear wheel, or 1-ton dual rear wheel) and frame configuration. Contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 or (517) 322-2144 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
The kit requires a minimum of 7.25 inches (7 1/4") of clearance measured from the top of the jounce bumper strike plate to the bottom of the frame rail. Before installation, you must check for this clearance. If your vehicle does not have sufficient clearance, the kit cannot be installed.
Required tools include: 7/16" and 9/16" open-end or box wrenches, adjustable wrench, ratchet with 3/8", 9/16", and 1/2" deep well sockets, 3/8" and 5/16" drill bits (very sharp), 3/8" nut driver, tape measure, heavy-duty drill, grinder, torque wrench, locking pliers, C-clamp, hammer or mallet, hose cutter/razor blade/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 kit includes: 2 air springs, 2 upper brackets, 1 left lower bracket, 1 right lower bracket, 4 roll plates, 2 frame braces, 2 elbow fittings, 8 bolts (3/8"-24 x 7/8"), 8 lock washers (3/8"), 24 flat washers (3/8"), 6 oversized flat washers (3/8"), 2 bolts (3/8"-16 x 3/4"), 8 bolts (3/8"-16 x 1.5"), 4 carriage bolts (3/8"-16 x 6"), 12 nylon lock nuts (3/8"), 2 axle clamps, 1 heat shield, 2 clamps, 1 thermal sleeve, 1 air line assembly, 6 zip ties, 2 valve caps, 2 5/16" flat washers, 2 rubber washers, 2 small star washers, and 4 5/16" hex nuts.
Normal ride height is the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel-well and the center of the hub when the vehicle is in its "as delivered" condition with no unusual loads. It is critical because air pressure must always be adjusted to maintain normal ride height regardless of load. To determine it, place your vehicle on a level surface, remove unusual loads, measure the distance from the hub center to the wheel-well bottom, and record this measurement. This ensures the air springs function correctly and the vehicle remains safe.
Yes. You must remove the jounce bumper by prying it off the jounce bumper bracket, then remove the bracket itself from the frame rail. The bracket may be bolted or riveted. If riveted, remove it by center punching and drilling out the rivet, chiseling it off, grinding it off, or cutting it off with a torch.
The spacer stack depends on your truck's tonnage and rear wheel configuration. For 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton trucks and some 1-ton trucks with single rear wheels, use a 3/8"-16 x 3/4" bolt (L) with a nylon lock nut (O). For most 1-ton trucks with single rear wheels and some 1-ton trucks with dual rear wheels, use a 3/8"-16 x 1.5" bolt (M) with one flat washer (J) and a nylon lock nut (O). For most 1-ton trucks with dual rear wheels, use a 3/8"-16 x 1.5" bolt (M) with two flat washers (J) and a nylon lock nut (O). Set the lower bracket on the axle housing to verify the correct stack before final assembly.
Grinding may be required. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the shock mounting bracket may prevent the lower bracket from sitting completely flat on the axle housing or jounce bumper pad. If this occurs on either side of the vehicle, you must use a grinder to trim the shock bracket until it is flat with the top of the axle housing. This is a permanent modification to the shock bracket.
Set roll plates (E) on both ends of the air spring. Position the air spring assembly onto the lower bracket so that the spacer assembly on the lower bracket is on the same side as the air port on the top of the air spring. This ensures proper alignment and access to the air fitting.
Attach the upper bracket (B) to the air spring using two bolts (H), two lock washers (I), and two flat washers (J). Ensure that the tall vertical leg of the upper bracket is positioned opposite the air fitting port on the air spring. This orientation is critical for proper frame alignment and clearance.
Insert a carriage bolt (N) into the rearward hole in the lower bracket. Attach the bracket using the axle clamp (P), flat washers (J), and nylon lock nuts (O). Torque to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm). Note: Some models may require prying the brake line slightly away from the axle so the axle clamp does not pinch it.
Before drilling, you must check the back side of the frame rail for brake lines, gas lines, or electrical lines that may be in the way. It is necessary to move any interfering lines prior to drilling to avoid damage to the vehicle's systems.
Using the upper bracket as a template, center punch and drill a 3/8" hole through the outboard side of the frame rail and upper bracket. The upper bracket serves as the drilling template.
The upper bracket frame rail bolt (3/8"-16 x 1.5" bolt M with flat washer J, oversized flat washer K, and nylon lock nut O) must be torqued to 44 lb-ft (60 Nm). Leave the clamp in place after torquing.
On 1997 and newer models, it may be necessary to cut or trim off plastic locator studs before installing the frame brace. Install the frame brace (F) with the access holes toward the bottom of the frame rail. This is a tight fit and may require tapping with a hammer or mallet. Align the access holes with the holes already drilled in the bottom of the frame. Use a large flathead screwdriver or punch through the drilled hole to push the frame brace forward or backward until the holes are aligned.
Each frame brace mounting bolt (3/8"-16 x 1.5" bolt M with flat washer J, oversized flat washer K, and nylon lock nut O) must be torqued to 44 lb-ft (60 Nm). Hold the nylon lock nut with a 9/16" open-end wrench through the access hole while torquing.
Install the air fitting into the air spring. The threads are precoated with sealant. Tighten finger-tight plus 1.5 turns, being careful to tighten only on the metal hex nut. Do not overtighten.
Attach the metal heat shield to the exhaust where it is closest to the passenger's (right) side air spring. Slide the air line thermal sleeve over the air line and position it where the air line is closest to the exhaust. Maintain at least 1/2" (13 mm) of dead air space between the shield and exhaust.
Cut the air line in half using a razor blade or hose cutter, making clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters. Use zip ties to secure the air line to fixed points along the chassis without pinching or kinking it. Leave at least 2" (51 mm) of slack in the air line to allow for movement. The minimum bend radius for the air line is 1" (25 mm). Maintain at least 6" (152 mm) of clearance between all air lines and the exhaust system.
Choose one of three locations for the Schrader valves: (A) inside the fuel tank filler door, (B) inside rear wheel wells, or (C) license plate or rear bumper area. Drill a 5/16" (8 mm) hole at your chosen location if necessary. Install the Schrader valve in the chosen location using the provided hardware (5/16" flat washer, rubber washer, small star washer, and 5/16" hex nut).
The lower bracket axle clamp bolt (carriage bolt N with axle clamp P, flat washers J, and nylon lock nuts O) must be torqued to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).
The maximum air pressure is 100 PSI (7 BAR). However, the actual air pressure needed depends on load and gross vehicle weight rating. Always maintain normal ride height and never inflate beyond 100 PSI. Do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload rating.
The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI (0.34 BAR). Air pressure should always be adjusted to maintain normal ride height regardless of load.
The air springs compress to 2.8" and extend to 9.1". For maximum air spring life, they should not be the suspension limiter in either compression or extension. The shock absorber is usually the limiter on extension. If this is not the case, the use of limiting straps should be considered, particularly for vehicles used off-road.
Perform the following checks in order: (1) Clearance test—inflate to 75–90 PSI and verify at least 1/2" clearance from tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables. (2) Leak test—inflate to 75–90 PSI and check all connections for leaks; 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. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI (7 BAR).
If the system develops an air leak, use a soapy water solution 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 indicating a leak. All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested.
Kit 88216 fits trucks with rear axles, with variations for 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, 1-ton single rear wheel, and 1-ton dual rear wheel configurations. Contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
You need a minimum of 7.25 inches from the top of the jounce bumper strike plate to the bottom of the frame rail. Check this before purchasing.
Yes. You must drill a 3/8" hole through the frame rail for the upper bracket and a 5/16" hole for the Schrader valve. Grinding may also be required to trim the shock bracket if it prevents the lower bracket from sitting flat.
Lower bracket axle clamp: 20 lb-ft (27 Nm). Upper bracket frame rail bolt: 44 lb-ft (60 Nm). Frame brace bolts: 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) each. Air fitting: finger-tight plus 1.5 turns only.
Yes. Remove the jounce bumper by prying it off, then remove the bracket (bolted or riveted). If riveted, drill it out, chisel it off, grind it off, or cut it with a torch.
Perform clearance, leak, heat, and fastener tests at 75–90 PSI. Verify 1/2" clearance from tires, brakes, frame, and shock absorbers; check all connections for leaks; ensure 6" clearance from exhaust; recheck all bolt torque. Then road test for 10 miles.
Use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core. Spray the solution on all connections and look for bubbles, which indicate a leak. Once you identify the leak location, the air spring must be deflated and removed before repair.
This may be caused by the shock mounting bracket interfering with the lower bracket. Use a grinder to trim the shock bracket until it is flat with the top of the axle housing. This may occur on only one side of the vehicle. After grinding, verify that the lower bracket sits completely flat before proceeding with assembly.
The frame brace is a tight fit and may need to be repositioned. Use a large flathead screwdriver or punch through the drilled hole and push the frame brace forward or backward until the access holes align with the holes already drilled in the bottom of the frame. Then install the bolts.
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