Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle in which each suspension system at each wheel has a dual spring rate. An external accumulator is used in connection with the main oil/gas strut but is charged to a higher initial pressure than the pressure of the main strut. Thus, the external accumulator has no effect until the load on the vehicle reaches a predetermined amount. At this time, the external accumulator becomes effective and the total suspension system, including the strut assembly and the accumulator, produces a different spring rate function. In another embodiment load equalization between two rear wheels is obtained by a connecting conduit connecting the oil chambers of the two oil/gas strut systems.

Abstract: An improved rim for use on a heavy, off-road vehicle formed of a tubular rim base member having a circumferential groove in the outer cylindrical surface adjacent one end thereof, the groove being of semi-circular cross-sectional configuration, a first bead flange secured at one end of the rim base member, a second bead flange slidably mounted on the other end of the rim base providing a contour substantially the same as the inner contour of the first bead flange, the second bead flange having a circumferential recess in the inside surface at the outer end thereof, and a split circular cross-sectioned locking ring removably received within the base member circumferential groove so that when the second bead flange is slidably positioned on the rim base, the locking ring can be placed in the groove and when the second flange slides outwardly the recess therein retains the locking ring within the groove and the locking ring serves to retain the second bead flange on the rim.