Air Lift loadlifter 5000 User manual

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT: Normal ride height (no load) - This
is defined as the distance between the bottom edge of the
fenderwell to the center point of the wheel with the vehicle
in an “as delivered condition” (without a load, i.e. tool box,
camper, etc.) measurements should be taken before
beginning the installation. The distance from the bottom
edge of the fenderwell to the center point of the wheel
should be recorded. All of our kits are designed to be
installed and operated at normal ride height.
Measure and record the Normal Ride Height for later
reference.
1. Jack up front of vehicle or raise on hoist.
2. Lower axle or raise frame an additional 2 or 3 inches to
provide clearance when positioning air spring assembly.
Be sure to support the axle.
3. Install the straight fitting into the air springs. Tighten
finger tight plus two turns (Figure 1).
4. Position the air springs with the air port up. Attach the
upper bracket loosely with two 3/8-16x1” bolts,
lockwashers, and flat washers (Figure 1).
5. Remove the FRONT leaf spring U-bolt (Figure 1).
6. The lower brackets are left and right brackets, the longer
tab goes forward on the leaf spring with the mounting
holes inboard (toward the center of the vehicle) (Figure
2).
7. Place the leaf spring retainer u-bolt over the lower
bracket. Attach the bracket to the air springs with two
3/8-16x1” bolts, and lock washers. Tighten to 20ft./lbs.
(Figure 1).
8. Remove the jounce bumper bracket, keep the original
bolts and nuts for re-installation (Figure 1).
9. Set assembly on leaf spring. Line up the holes in the
upper bracket with the existing jounce bumper bolt holes
in the side of the frame. Insert the original bolts through
bracket and frame and while pushing up on air spring so
the upper plate of the air spring contacts and is flush with
the bottom frame rail (Figure 3). Tighten the bolts to 25-
30 ft.lbs.
10.In step 2 the axle was lowered 2-3 inches, reverse this
step so the vehicle is back to its normal ride height.
11.Align the air spring vertically and horizontally. Reattach
the U-bolt around leaf spring and tighten to 220 ft. lbs.
12.Install the kit on the other side of the vehicle.
13.Proceed with air line installation instructions.
2
U-Bolts
Lower
Brackets
PASS.
SIDE
DRIVER
SIDE
FRONT
FIGURE 3
;;;;
;;;;
Front of
Vehicle

3
AIR LINE INSTALLATION
A. Select locations on the vehicle for the air inflation valves
(Figure 4). The location can be on the bumper or on the
body of the vehicle, but be sure that it is protected so that
the valve will not be damaged and will still be accessible for
the air chuck. Drill a 5/16” hole.
B. Use a standard tube cutter, a razor blade, or very sharp
knife to cut the air line assembly into two equal parts. A
clean square cut will ensure against leaks. Install the
inflation valve in desired location as shown in Figure 5.
Run the air line from the inflation valve to air springs. Be
sure to route air line so that it will be protected from the
direct heat from exhaust and keep away from sharp edges.
The air line should not be bent or curve sharply.
C. This is a push to connect fitting, push and slightly turn air
line into the straight fitting in air spring as far as it will go
(9/16”). You will hear/feel a definite “click” when the air line
is seated. The air line is now installed. Secure the air line
in place with the nylon ties provided.
D. Inflate the air springs to 60 p.s.i. and check all fittings and
connectors for air leaks with a solution of soap and water.
E.. This now completes the installation. Check once again to
be sure you have sufficient clearance around the air
springs out to the maximum inflated diameter of 7.0”.
F. Lower vehicle to the ground. Inflate the air springs until
Normal Ride Height measurement is restored. Regardless
of load, the air pressure should always be adjusted so that
the Normal Ride Height is maintained at all times.
A 5-7 psi loss after initial installation is normal. If pressure
has dropped more than 7 lbs. re-test for leaks with soapy
water solution.
Fig.8 MN 190
Air Line to
Bellows
Star
Washer
Vehicle body
or bumper
Rubber Washer
Flat Washer
FIGURE 5
Option 1
Option 2
FIGURE 4

NOTE
1. IMPORTANT: For your safety and to prevent possible damage to your vehicle, do not exceed
maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Although your air springs are rated at
maximum inflation pressure of 100 p.s.i., this pressure may represent too great of load on some
vehicles. Check your vehicle owner’s manual and do not exceed maximum loads listed for your
vehicle.
When inflating your Air Lift sleeves, add pressure in small quantities, checking pressure frequently
during inflation. The sleeves require much less air volume than a tire and therefore inflate much
quicker.
2. Should it become necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is at the minimum
(20psi) to reduce the tension on suspension/brake components. Use of on board hydraulic leveling
systems or routine tire changes DOES NOT require deflation or disconnection.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM PRESSURE, BOTTOMING
OUT, OR OVER EXTENSION WILL VOID THE WARRANTY
REGARDLESS OF LOAD, THE AIR PRESSURE MUST ALWAYS
BE ADJUSTED SO THAT THE NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT IS
MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
4
Thank you for purchasing Air Lift Products
AIR LIFT COMPANY
P.O. BOX 80167
Lansing, MI 48908-0167
FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CALL 1-800-248-0892
Caution: DO NOT EXCEED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING.
Printed in the USA
RECOMMENDED PRESSURES
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
20 P.S.I. 100 P.S.I.

Product Use Information
Frequently asked questions
Q. Will installing air springs increase the weight ratings of a vehicle?
No. Adding air springs will not change the weight ratings (GAWR, GCWR and/or GVWR) of a vehicle. Exceeding the
GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Q. Is it necessary to keep air in the air springs at all time and how much pressure will they need?
The minimum air pressure should be maintained at all times. The minimum air pressure keeps the air spring in shape,
ensuring that it will move throughout its travel without rubbing or wearing on itself.
Q. Is it necessary to add a compressor system to the air springs?
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’s a lot of work.
Q. How long should air springs last?
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained they can last indefinitely.
Q. Will raising the vehicle on a hoist for service work damage the air springs?
No. The vehicle can be lifted on a hoist for short-term service work such as tire rotation or an 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.
Tuning the air pressure
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, then it is not level (fig. 1).
Raise the air pressure to correct either of these problems and level the vehicle.
2. Ride comfort
If the vehicle has a rough and harsh ride it may be due to either too much pressure or not enough. Try different
pressures to determine the best ride comfort.
3. Stability
Stability translates into safety and should be the priority, meaning the driver may need to sacrifice a perfectly level
and comfortable ride. Stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess (fig. 2). Tuning
out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure.
Continued on pg. 2
fi g . 2
fi g . 1
Bad headlight aim Level
Unlevel, bottoming out

Thank you for purchasing Air Lift products! For technical support, please call [phone].
Air Lift Company • P.O. Box 80167, MI 48908-0167 • [phone] • Fax: [phone] • www.airliftcompany.com
Guidelines for adding air:
1. Start with the vehicle level or slightly above.
2. When in doubt, always add air.
3. For motorhomes, start with 50-100 p.s.i. in the rear because it can be safely assumed that it is heavily loaded.
4. If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped.
5. If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure (fig. 3).
6. Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride.
7. If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure up and down to reduce the rocking and rolling.
8. 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 (fig. 4). As much as a 50 p.s.i. difference is not
uncommon.
Rev. 4/5/07
Continued from pg. 1
LevelUnlevel
Poor stability
fi g . 4
fi g . 3