Abstract: A mounting bracket secures a steering gear or other ancillary device to a closed channel structural member, such as a hydroformed side rail in a vehicle frame assembly. The side rail has a relatively large opening formed through one of the walls thereof. A mounting bracket is provided for supporting the ancillary device on the side rail. The mounting bracket includes a generally flat web having upper and lower flanges extending therefrom. Between the two flanges, a reinforcing structure is provided. The reinforcing structure can include one or more spacers that extend laterally from the web. Each of the spacers may have a generally cylindrical bore formed therethrough. When assembled to the side rail, the upper and lower flanges of the mounting bracket respectively abut upper and lower walls of the side rail.

Abstract: A body mount bushing connects the structural components of a frame portion of a vehicular body and frame assembly together and provides a mounting support for connecting a body portion of the assembly to the frame portion. Each of the body mount bushings includes a hollow cylindrical bushing portion having one or more V-shaped projections extending therefrom. An end of a first structural component and an end of a second structural component can be formed having respective recesses, within with the projections of the body mount bushing extend. The structural components may be secured to the projections of the body mount bushing by welding, riveting, bolting, and the like. The body mount bushings also provide a mounting support for connecting the body portion to the frame portion. To accomplish this, the bushing portions of the body mount bushings are sized to receive and support respective body mounts provided on the body portion of the vehicular body and frame assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly has an energy absorbing structure including a first portion having a first generally uniform dimension. A second portion extends from the first portion and has a second generally uniform dimension that is greater than the first generally uniform dimension of the first portion, thereby defining a first shoulder between the first portion and the second portion. A third portion extends from the second portion and has a third generally uniform dimension that is less than the first generally uniform dimension of the first portion, thereby defining a second shoulder between the second portion and the third portion. The second portion has at least one stiffening rib formed therein. The third portion has at least one stiffening rib formed therein that is discontinuous with the stiffening rib formed in the second portion. The energy absorbing structure is adapted to be deformed during a collision such that the third portion is moved within the second portion to absorb energy.

Abstract: A mounting structure is adapted for use in a vehicle frame assembly. The mounting structure is formed as a one-piece body. Preferably the body is formed of cast aluminum alloy. The body includes a recess having a C-shaped cross section for disposing the mounting structure about a vehicle side rail. The body also includes a plurality of mounts for securing vehicle components to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A connecting and supporting structure is adapted for use in a vehicle frame assembly. The structure is a one-piece body preferably formed of cast aluminum alloy. The body includes a first joining portion adapted for connection to a first side rail section, and a second joining portion adapted for connection to a second side rail section. Preferably the first joining portion is formed on a first end of the body having a first height, and the second joining portion is formed on a second end of the body having a second height which is different from the first height. The body further includes a supporting portion which is preferably a spring hanger adapted for supporting a vehicle spring.