Abstract: A vehicle suspension may include a leaf spring, a link member and a bumper. The leaf spring may include first and second ends and a body extending between the first and second ends. The first end may be pivotably coupled to a first mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to a vehicle chassis. The second end may be pivotably coupled to a second mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to the vehicle chassis. The body may engage a third mounting structure configured to secure the body relative to a vehicle axle. The link member may include a first end pivotably coupled to the first mounting structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the third mounting structure. The bumper may extend downward from the link member toward the leaf spring.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method for determining the stiffness of a structure may include connecting a test member to the structure, directing a beam of light at a measurement surface carried by at least one of the test member or the structure, impacting an impact surface carried by the test member with a known impact force, and determining the movement of the measurement surface that is caused by the impact. The movement of the measurement surface may be determined as a function of changes in the length of the beam of light and the stiffness of the structure may be a function of the magnitude of the measurement surface movement.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension may include a leaf spring, a link member and a bumper. The leaf spring may include first and second ends and a body extending between the first and second ends. The first end may be pivotably coupled to a first mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to a vehicle chassis. The second end may be pivotably coupled to a second mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to the vehicle chassis. The body may engage a third mounting structure configured to secure the body relative to a vehicle axle. The link member may include a first end pivotably coupled to the first mounting structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the third mounting structure. The bumper may extend downward from the link member toward the leaf spring.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method for determining the stiffness of a structure may include connecting a test member to the structure, directing a beam of light at a measurement surface carried by at least one of the test member or the structure, impacting an impact surface carried by the test member with a known impact force, and determining the movement of the measurement surface that is caused by the impact. The movement of the measurement surface may be determined as a function of changes in the length of the beam of light and the stiffness of the structure may be a function of the magnitude of the measurement surface movement.