Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, first and second trailing arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets, and a second end located outboard of the first end of the associated trailing arm; an axle member having a first end and a second end; an integrated first mounting arrangement and an integrated second mounting arrangement coupled to the associated ends of the axle member, wherein the mounting arrangements pivotably couple the second end of the associated trailing arm to one of the ends of the axle member, and wherein the mounting arrangements couple one of the ends of the axle member to the spindle assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes first and second mounting brackets each adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, first and second trailing arms each having a first end pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets, and a second end located outboard of the first end of the associated trailing arm; an axle member having a first end and a second end; an integrated first mounting arrangement and an integrated second mounting arrangement coupled to the associated ends of the axle member, wherein the mounting arrangements pivotably couple the second end of the associated trailing arm to one of the ends of the axle member, and wherein the mounting arrangements couple one of the ends of the axle member to the spindle assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first trailing arm assembly and a second trailing assembly each including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame and a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the associated mounting bracket and adapted to be operably coupled to an axle member, wherein the trailing arm members each include an aperture extending therein, wherein the aperture has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a depth thereof. The vehicle suspension system further includes a torsional member extending between the first and second trailing arm members and frictionally secured within the apertures thereof, wherein the torsional member has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a length thereof that is received within the apertures of the trailing arms.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first trailing arm assembly and a second trailing assembly each including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame and a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the associated mounting bracket and adapted to be operably coupled to an axle member, wherein the trailing arm members each include an aperture extending therein, wherein the aperture has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a depth thereof. The vehicle suspension system further includes a torsional member extending between the first and second trailing arm members and frictionally secured within the apertures thereof, wherein the torsional member has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a length thereof that is received within the apertures of the trailing arms.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.

Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid includes a housing enclosing an electromagnetic coil assembly. An armature is disposed within the electromagnetic coil assembly. An end of the housing is provided with an annular groove. A nut is selectively received by the groove for varying the magnetic path of the coil assembly. Adjustment of the nut thereby sets the solenoid at a predetermined armature activation force accounting for manufacturing tolerances of the solenoid components as well as variations in the electric current supplied to the coil assembly.

Abstract: Proportional control of the output of an alternator achieved mechanically to change the reluctance of the magnetic path between the stator and the rotor and thereby change the electrical output of the alternator.