Abstract: Fabricated axles with a removable king pin are disclosed. The fabricated axles incorporate U-shaped channel construction. Extensions of front and rear channel walls wrap partially around and separately join axle head plates which support a removable king pin. King pin fastener bores are partially defined by the head plate and by front and rear channel walls. The bottom surface of the head plate is received within an opening of, and secured to, the bottom plate which overlays the channel.

Abstract: Fabricated axles with a removable king pin are disclosed. The fabricated axles incorporate U-shaped channel construction. Extensions of front and rear channel walls wrap partially around and separately join axle head plates which support a removable king pin. King pin fastener bores are partially defined by the head plate and by front and rear channel walls. The bottom surface of the head plate is received within an opening of, and secured to, the bottom plate which overlays the channel.

Abstract: A tie rod arm is provided for incorporation into a vehicle steering assembly. The tie rod arm has a grease cap portion with a steering knuckle connection formation and a grease seal cap. The steering knuckle connection formation is used to connect the tie rod arm to the body of a steering knuckle of the vehicle steering assembly. The grease seal cap receives the lower end of a kingpin of the vehicle steering assembly. The grease cap portion of the tie rod arm is integrally formed with an arm portion, which includes a tie rod connection formation to connect the tie rod arm to a tie rod of the vehicle steering assembly. A steering arm may also or alternatively be connected to the body of the steering knuckle and include an upper grease seal cap, which receives the upper end of the kingpin.

Abstract: A tie rod arm is provided for incorporation into a vehicle steering assembly. The tie rod arm has a grease cap portion with a steering knuckle connection formation and a grease seal cap. The steering knuckle connection formation is used to connect the tie rod arm to the body of a steering knuckle of the vehicle steering assembly. The grease seal cap receives the lower end of a kingpin of the vehicle steering assembly. The grease cap portion of the tie rod arm is integrally formed with an arm portion, which includes a tie rod connection formation to connect the tie rod arm to a tie rod of the vehicle steering assembly. A steering arm may also or alternatively be connected to the body of the steering knuckle and include an upper grease seal cap, which receives the upper end of the kingpin.

Abstract: A spring seat is provided for incorporation into a vehicle suspension system having an axle and a leaf spring. The spring seat includes a seat portion and a spring mounting portion associated with an upper end of the seat portion. The spring mounting portion is configured to accommodate a portion of the leaf spring and includes an upper surface. The upper surface defines a plurality of bores, with at least one of the bores being internally threaded and receiving at least a portion of an externally threaded mechanical fastener. Alternatively (or additionally), the axle may include a body, with at least one of the bores of the spring mounting portion of the spring seat being at least partially positioned directly above the body of the axle.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for braking an axle shaft rotatably supported within an axle housing. A pair of arcuate brake pads are pivotally pinned within the axle housing such that each of the arcuate brake pads can pivot from an brake position engaging the axle shaft and a free position allowing the axle shaft to rotate freely. The arcuate brake pads are spring biased to the free position allowing axle rotation. A simply pulley system is arranged within the axle housing to allow remote actuation of the arcuate brake pads forcing the brake pads into the brake position to frictionally engage the axle shaft thereby providing a braking force. The axle shaft may be splined to engage a corresponding reverse spline profile formed on the inner surface of the arcuate brake pads to provide a positive braking force to lock the shaft preventing rotation. The brake arrangement is preferably employed to brake an input shaft in a differential assembly or in any drive shaft of a transfer case.