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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LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE
Leaf spring air spring kit with internal jounce bumper
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 rear 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. Requires no drilling into frame! 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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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 - 2010 | Ford F-250 Super Duty | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
| 2005 - 2010 | Ford F-350 Super Duty | Does not fit cab & chassis applications |
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88397 (Part #BBCG88397) fits 2005-2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty models. The 2010 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 88397 (Part #BBCG88397) fits the following vehicles: 2005-2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty; 2005-2010 Ford F-350 Super Duty. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88397 (Part #BBCG88397) is designed to fit the 2005-2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE with internal jounce bumper 88397 (Part #BBCG88397) 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 load leveling support for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, as well as motor home rear applications and various front applications with leaf springs. It uses reinforced commercial-grade bellows with an internal jounce bumper to absorb shock and can safely be run at zero air pressure. The kit provides up to 5,000 lbs. of load leveling support with air adjustability from 5–100 PSI.
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is recommended for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs, motor home rear applications, and various front applications where leaf springs are used. For a definitive fitment answer for your specific vehicle, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Yes, the kit can be installed on vehicles with fifth wheel hitches. If you have a fifth wheel hitch already installed, you will need to remove the 3/4" hardware that bolts the side bracket to the outside of the frame above the axle. Some hitch models have a spacer between the bracket and the frame rail that must be reinstalled when attaching the upper bracket. Depending on your hitch type, you may need to drill a 1/2" hole through the hitch plate to accommodate the air spring installation.
Yes, the kit can be installed on DRW vehicles. However, you will need to remove the sway bar strap and bolts holding the sway bar to the axle before installation and retain them for later reinstallation. After installation, you will need to slot the retaining straps to accommodate the air spring assembly before reattaching the sway bar. The installation uses position 1 for the long carriage bolt on DRW vehicles, whereas single rear wheel (SRW) vehicles use position 2.
No. The installation of this kit does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or payload of the vehicle. You must check your vehicle's owner's manual and not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and is shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
Required tools include: 7/16" and 9/16" open-end or box wrenches; crescent wrench; ratchet with 3/8", 9/16", and 1/2" deep well sockets; 5/16" drill bits (very sharp); DIR grinder; hacksaw; heavy duty drill; torque wrench; standard, metric and SAE sockets and wrenches; 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.
The kit includes: 2 lower brackets, 2 upper braces, 2 upper brackets, 2 clamp bars, 2 spring clamp bars, 2 spacers, 4 roll plates, 2 bellows, 4 four-hole locating brackets, 1 L-bracket, 4 hex head cap screws (3/8"-16 x 5.5"), 1 hex cap screw (1/4"-20 x 1"), 2 carriage bolts (3/8"-16 x 2.5"), 8 hex head cap screws (3/8"-24 x 7/8"), 2 hex cap screws (1/2"-13 x 3"), 8 carriage bolts (3/8"-16 x 1.25"), 6 flat washers (1/2" thick), 2 flat washers (#12), 1 nyloc nut (1/4"-20), 8 lock washers (3/8"), 18 nyloc nuts (3/8"-16), 34 flat washers (3/8"), 2 nyloc nuts (1/2"-13), 2 flat washers (3/4"), 2 swivel air fittings (90°), 6 zip ties, 2 valve caps, 2 rubber washers, 2 hex nuts (5/16"), 1 air line assembly, 1 heat shield kit, and 2 hex head cap screws (1/2"-13 x 2").
The manual does not specify that the battery must be disconnected. However, you may need to disconnect the wiring harness from the driver side frame rail to gain clearance for the upper bracket during installation.
Before installation, you must: (1) raise the vehicle and support the axle with jack stands, setting the stands as wide as possible on the axle; (2) remove the jounce bumpers from under the frame over the axle; (3) if necessary, disconnect the wiring harness from the driver side frame rail to gain clearance for the upper bracket; (4) for all dual rear wheel vehicles, remove the sway bar strap and bolts holding the sway bar to the axle and retain them for later reinstallation; (5) if you have a fifth wheel hitch already installed, remove the 3/4" hardware that bolts the side bracket to the outside of the frame above the axle; and (6) if your truck has emission lines running along the inside of the frame rail, relocate those lines.
Yes. The emergency brake cable must be relocated away from the bellows. Failure to do so may cause failure to the bellows and void the warranty. After installation, secure the emergency brake cable to the bottom bracket using a supplied wire tie through the hole in the corner of the lower bracket.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill two 5/16" holes to install the inflation valves at a convenient location such as the wheel well flanges, license plate recess in bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate. Additionally, if you have an aftermarket fifth wheel hitch with a bracket running alongside the frame that does not have existing attaching hardware on the side where the slot in the frame is, you will need to drill a 1/2" hole through the hitch plate using the slot in the frame as a template.
Yes. For 2WD and 4WD DRW vehicles, you must slot the sway bar retaining straps to accommodate the air spring installation. The manual shows grinding the slot larger on both straps. After slotting, reattach the sway bar.
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. When cutting the air line at the bellows, leave approximately 12" of extra air line and make a clean square cut. If you need to trim the air line during leak repair, cut 1" off the end of the air line and ensure the cut is clean and square.
Torque specifications are: (1) bellows mounting screws (3/8"-24 x 7/8" hex head cap screws): 20 lb.-ft.; (2) upper bracket mounting screws (3/8"-24 x 7/8" hex head cap screws): 20 lb.-ft.; (3) spring clamp bar bolts: 10 lb.-ft.; (4) axle clamp bar bolts: 16 lb.-ft. After 100 miles, re-torque the axle clamp bar carriage bolt lock nuts to 16 lb.-ft.
Install the swivel elbow fitting (90° swivel air fitting) into the top of the bellows finger tight, then tighten it one and a half turns. If the fitting leaks during testing, you can tighten it another 1/2 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.
Choose a convenient location for mounting the inflation valves where there is enough clearance around them for an air chuck. Popular locations include: (1) the wheel well flanges; (2) the license plate recess in bumper; (3) under the gas cap access door; or (4) through the license plate. You will need to drill two 5/16" holes to install the inflation valves.
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. Ensure tie straps are tight but do not pinch the air line. Leave at least 2" of slack to allow for any movement that might pull on the air line.
After drilling a 5/16" hole, place a 5/16" nut and star washer on the air valve, leaving enough of the inflation valve in front of the nut to extend through the hole and have room for the rubber washer, flat washer, and 5/16" nut and cap. Approximately 1/2" of valve should be exposed after installation to easily apply a pressure gauge or air chuck. Push the inflation valve through the hole and use the rubber washer, flat washer, and another 5/16" nut to secure it in place. Tighten the nuts to secure the assembly.
The air line uses a push-to-connect fitting. Simply push the air line into the 90° swivel fitting until it bottoms out. Approximately 9/16" of air line should be in the fitting. If you need to disconnect the line, pull the collar against the fitting and pull firmly on the air line.
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 inflate beyond 100 PSI. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure of 5 PSI will void the Air Lift warranty.
The kit provides up to 5,000 lbs. of load leveling support. The springs support approximately 40 lbs. of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. However, the installation does not alter the vehicle's GVWR or payload. You must not exceed the maximum load listed in your vehicle's owner's manual or the GVWR shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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. Always adjust the air pressure to maintain normal ride height. Loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle. Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently.
Yes, 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 you need to raise the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce tension on the suspension and brake components. Use of on-board leveling systems does not require deflation or disconnection.
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 requires significant effort.
After installation, perform the following checks: (1) Clearance test — inflate to 60 PSI and ensure at least 1/2" clearance around each bellows away from tires, brake drums, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables; (2) Leak test — inflate to 60 PSI and check all connections with soapy water solution; (3) Heat test — ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources; (4) Fastener test — recheck all bolts for proper torque, and re-torque axle clamp bar bolts to 16 lb.-ft. after 100 miles; (5) Road test — drive 10 miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
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 (do not deflate below 5 PSI). Check the 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 lbs.
First, identify the source of the leak using a soapy water solution. If the leak is at the swivel fitting: (1) check the air line connection by deflating the spring, removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting, trimming 1" off the end with a clean square cut, and reinserting the line; or (2) tighten the swivel fitting another 1/2 turn, and if it still leaks, deflate the 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. If the leak is at the inflation valve: (1) tighten the valve core with a valve core tool; or (2) remove the air line from the barbed fitting, cut the air line 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 nick the barb). If these steps do not resolve the problem, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Follow these maintenance guidelines: (1) Check air pressure weekly; (2) Always maintain normal ride height and never inflate beyond 100 PSI; (3) If you develop an air leak, use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating; (4) Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI or more; (5) When increasing load, adjust air pressure to maintain normal ride height; (6) Always add air in small quantities, checking pressure frequently; (7) When raising the vehicle by the frame, ensure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI); (8) Periodically check fasteners for tightness and inspect air springs for rubbing; (9) Occasionally spray the air springs with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel, or other abrasive debris.
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. Additionally, perform an overnight leak-down test by rechecking air pressure after the vehicle has been used for 24 hours. If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI, there is a leak that must be fixed.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
First, perform a leak test using a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) on all air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Inspect the air lines to ensure none are pinched (tie straps may be too tight). Inspect the air line for holes and cracks. Look for a kink or fold in the air line and reroute as needed. If the pressure loss is more than 5 PSI after 24 hours, there is a leak that must be fixed. If these steps do not solve the problem, it may be caused by a failed air spring (either a factory defect or an operating problem). Call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.
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. 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.
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. 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. If it is suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
Stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess. Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure. Stability should be the priority, meaning the driver may need to sacrifice a perfectly level and comfortable ride. Adjust the air pressure up and down to find the best balance between stability and comfort.
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate (kit 88397) is recommended for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and SUVs with leaf springs. For specific vehicle fitment, contact Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
Essential tools include: wrenches (7/16", 9/16"), ratchet with sockets (3/8", 9/16", 1/2"), 5/16" drill bits, grinder, hacksaw, heavy duty drill, torque wrench, hose cutter or sharp knife, hoist or floor jacks, safety stands, safety glasses, air compressor, and spray bottle with soapy water solution.
Bellows and upper bracket mounting screws: 20 lb.-ft. Spring clamp bar bolts: 10 lb.-ft. Axle clamp bar bolts: 16 lb.-ft. (re-torque after 100 miles).
Minimum: 5 PSI (can safely run at zero PSI). Maximum: 100 PSI. Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. Never exceed 100 PSI.
Inflate to 60 PSI and check: (1) at least 1/2" clearance around bellows; (2) all connections for leaks using soapy water; (3) at least 6" clearance from heat sources; (4) all fasteners for proper torque; (5) road test for 10 miles checking clearance, fasteners, and leaks.
Check air pressure weekly. Recheck the entire system after 30 days or 500 miles. Re-torque axle clamp bar bolts to 16 lb.-ft. after 100 miles. Perform an overnight leak-down test after 24 hours of initial installation.
There is a leak that must be fixed. Use a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) to test all air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings. Check for pinched air lines (loosen or replace tie straps if too tight). Inspect the air line for holes, cracks, kinks, or folds and replace or reroute as needed. If the leak is at the swivel fitting, tighten it another 1/2 turn or re-coat the threads with thread sealant and reinstall. If the leak is at the inflation valve, tighten the valve core or remove and reattach the air line. If these steps do not resolve the problem, call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892.
The vehicle is not level. Raise the air pressure to correct this problem. 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. As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon.
The rough ride may be due to either too much pressure or not enough. 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. If the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
Stability issues including roll control, bounce, dive during braking, and sponginess usually require an increase in pressure. Adjust the air pressure upward to improve stability. Stability should be the priority, even if it means sacrificing a perfectly level and comfortable ride.
First, try tightening the swivel fitting another 1/2 turn. If it still leaks, deflate the air spring and remove the fitting. Re-coat the threads with thread sealant. Reinstall by hand tightening as much as possible, then use a wrench for an additional two turns. Alternatively, check the air line connection by deflating the spring, removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting, trimming 1" off the end with a clean square cut, and reinserting the line into the fitting.
First, tighten the valve core using 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 vice grips to pull or twist the air line off the fitting. Do not cut off the air line completely as this will nick the barb and render the fitting useless. Reattach the air line to the fitting.
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