Abstract: A replaceable valve includes a spring preload adjuster and a spring. The spring is configured to be positioned at a first side of the spring preload adjuster. The replaceable valve includes a valve cap positioned at a second, opposite side of the spring preload adjuster. The valve cap is configured to attach to a shock absorber.

Abstract: A valve includes a body that has a longitudinal axis. The body includes a conical portion positioned at an end of the body. The conical portion at least partially surrounds the body. The body includes a planar face circumferentially adjacent the conical portion. The planar face is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A valve includes a body that has a longitudinal axis. The body includes a conical portion positioned at an end of the body. The conical portion at least partially surrounds the body. The body includes a planar face circumferentially adjacent the conical portion. The planar face is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A replaceable valve includes a spring preload adjuster and a spring. The spring is configured to be positioned at a first side of the spring preload adjuster. The replaceable valve includes a valve cap positioned at a second, opposite side of the spring preload adjuster. The valve cap is configured to attach to a shock absorber.

Abstract: A ball joint having a housing with a cylindrical cavity that has an open receiving end and a closed retaining end receives a polymeric insert and a non-deformable insert therein. The polymeric insert has a cylindrical outer wall that extends upwardly from a base and the interior of the insert defines a concave spherical contour. The non-deformable insert fits into a slot formed in the base of the polymeric insert and rests against the housing's bottom. A ball stud comprising a shank with a spherical ball at one end thereof snaps into the polymeric insert and the non-deformable insert. A retaining ring slips over the shank of the ball stud into the receiving end of the housing and its inner surface also has a spherical contour conforming to the spherical ball. The inserts, the ball of the ball stud and the retainer ring are held in the housing by forming the periphery of the housing at the receiving end to overlay the retaining ring.

Abstract: A ball joint having a housing with a cylindrical cavity that has an open receiving end and a closed retaining end receives a polymeric insert and a non-deformable insert therein. The polymeric insert has a cylindrical outer wall that extends upwardly from a base and the interior of the insert defines a concave spherical contour. The non-deformable insert fits into a slot formed in the base of the polymeric insert and rests against the housing's bottom. A ball stud comprising a shank with a spherical ball at one end thereof snaps into the polymeric insert and the non-deformable insert. A retaining ring slips over the shank of the ball stud into the receiving end of the housing and its inner surface also has a spherical contour conforming to the spherical ball. The inserts, the ball of the ball stud and the retainer ring are held in the housing by forming the periphery of the housing at the receiving end to overlay the retaining ring.

Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.