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MN-651

LoadLifter 5000

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

By following these steps, vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best results from their 

air spring.

1.  Check the air pressure weekly.
2.  Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI.
3.  If you develop an air leak in the system, use a soapy water solution to check all air line 

connections and the inflation valve core, before deflating and removing the spring.

4.  When  increasing  load,  always  adjust  the  air  pressure  to  maintain  normal  ride  height. 

Increase or decrease pressure from the system as necessary to attain normal ride height 

for optimal ride and handling. Remember that loads carried behind the axle (including 

tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the 

axle.

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE, DO NOT EXCEED 
MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AS INDICATED BY THE VEHICLE 
MANUFACTURER.  ALTHOUGH  YOUR  AIR  SPRINGS  ARE  RATED  AT  A  MAXIMUM 
INFLATION  PRESSURE  OF  100  PSI,  THE  AIR  PRESSURE  ACTUALLY  NEEDED  IS 
DEPENDENT ON YOUR LOAD AND GVWR.

5.  Always add air to the springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently. Sleeves 

require less air volume than a tire and inflate quickly.

6.  Should it become necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is 

at a minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce tension on the suspension/brake components. 

Use of on-board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection.

  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. 17). Tuning out these problems usually 

requires an increase in pressure.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 

1.  Leak test the air line connections, the threaded connection into the air spring, and all fittings 

in the control system. 

2.  Inspect the air lines to be sure none are pinched. Tie straps may be too tight. Loosen or 

replace the strap and replace leaking components.

3.  Inspect the air line for holes and cracks. Replace as needed.
4.  Look for a kink or fold in the air line. Reroute as needed.

If the preceding steps do not solve the problem, it is possibly caused by a failed air spring — either 

a factory defect or an operating problem. Please call Air Lift at (800) 248-0892 for assistance.

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 GWVR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.

Q. Is it necessary to keep air in the air springs at all times 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.

NOTE

CAUTION

Summary of Contents for 57212

Page 1: ...pletely before proceeding with installation Failure to read these instructions can result in an incorrect installation MN 651 041210 ECR 7436 INSTALLATION GUIDE Kit Nos 57212 57411 Cover illustration...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ets 6 Securing the Air Spring to Brackets 7 Securing the Emergency Brake Cable 7 Installing the Air Lines 8 Attaching the Jounce Bumper 9 Checking for Leaks 9 Fixing Leaks 9 Before Operating 10 Instal...

Page 4: ...t does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR or payload of the vehicle Check your vehicle s owner s manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rati...

Page 5: ...O 01525 Spacer bar 4 Item Part Description Qty P 17202 3 8 16 x 1 25 Hex head cap screw 2 Q 18468 3 8 Flat washer 8 R 18435 3 8 Nyloc washer 4 S 18207 1 2 Large flat washer 8 T 18460 1 2 Nyloc nut 4 U...

Page 6: ...nce bumpers from under the frame above the axle Save for later use Installing the LoadLifter 5000 System DANGER ASSEMBLING THE AIR SPRING UNIT 1 Set a roll plate D on both ends of the air spring A The...

Page 7: ...ou are installing this kit on a 2008 or later model it will be necessary to drill the 3 8 locating hole for locating the upper bracket to the frame rail Use the template provided at the end of this ma...

Page 8: ...template BEFORE DRILLING CHECK THE BACK SIDE OF THE FRAME FOR CLEARANCE ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LINES GAS LINES AND ELECTRICAL LINES ANY OBSTACLES WILL NEED TO BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO CLEAR THE ARE...

Page 9: ...thickness of the leaf spring stack it will be necessary to trim the U bolts fig 10 3 Check to ensure that all hardware is secure and repeat the process for the remaining side of the vehicle SECURING T...

Page 10: ...WILL ENSURE AGAINST LEAKS DO NOT USE WIRE CUTTERS OR SCISSORS TO CUT THE AIR LINE THESE TOOLS MAY FLATTEN OR CRIMP THE AIR LINE CAUSING IT TO LEAK AROUND THE O RING SEAL INSIDE THE ELBOW FITTING FIG 1...

Page 11: ...the swivel fitting a 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...

Page 12: ...late the air springs to 60 PSI and ensure there is at least clearance around each bellow away from anything that might rub against them Be sure to check the tire brake drum frame shock absorbers and b...

Page 13: ...he suspension brake components Use of on board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection Stability translates into safety and should be the priority meaning the driver may need to sac...

Page 14: ...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 oil changes However if the vehicle will be on the hoist fo...

Page 15: ...with all products The consumer will be responsible for removing labor charges the defective product from the vehicle and returning it transportation costs prepaid to the dealer from which it was purc...

Page 16: ...t was purchased If it is necessary to return or exchange the kit for any reason If there is a problem with shipping if shipped from the retailer If there is a problem with the price Contact Informatio...

Page 17: ...ot 2 Align slot from template with the slot on the frame that is located above the axle 3 Center punch and drill a 3 8 hole that will be used to locate the upper bracket to the frame 4 Repeat for oppo...

Page 18: ...16 MN 651 LoadLifter 5000 Notes...

Page 19: ...17 MN 651 LoadLifter 5000 Notes...

Page 20: ...com Thank you for purchasing Air Lift products the professional installer s choice Printed in the USA Need Help Contact our customer service department by calling 800 248 0892 Monday through Friday 8...

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