Abstract: An axle mounting assembly for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component. The assembly includes a mounting pad, and a longitudinally extending energy storing suspension component such as a leaf spring is vertically aligned with respect to the mounting pad. An axle seat bracket is vertically aligned with and spaced from the mounting pad. The axle is transversely mounted to the axle seat bracket which includes at least one horizontally aligned open passage that is aligned parallel to the axle and which receives a U-shaped fastener assembly for coupling the axle and axle seat bracket to the mounting pad.

Abstract: An axle mounting assembly for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component. The assembly includes a mounting pad, and a longitudinally extending energy storing suspension component such as a leaf spring is vertically aligned with respect to the mounting pad. An axle seat bracket is vertically aligned with and spaced from the mounting pad. The axle is transversely mounted to the axle seat bracket which includes at least one horizontally aligned open passage that is aligned parallel to the axle and which receives a U-shaped fastener assembly for coupling the axle and axle seat bracket to the mounting pad.

Abstract: Suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system are disclosed. The suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system allow use of a lighter weight leaf spring while providing customized roll stiffness and vertical spring rate that are complemented by a bumper that engages the leaf spring assembly when compressed to at least a preselected position.

Abstract: An axle mounting assembly for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component. The assembly includes a mounting pad, and a longitudinally extending energy storing suspension component such as a leaf spring is vertically aligned with respect to the mounting pad. An axle seat bracket is vertically aligned with and spaced from the mounting pad. The axle is transversely mounted to the axle seat bracket which includes at least one horizontally aligned open passage that is aligned parallel to the axle and which receives a U-shaped fastener assembly for coupling the axle and axle seat bracket to the mounting pad.

Abstract: Suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system are disclosed. The suspension systems, leaf springs and methods of providing a leaf spring in a suspension system allow use of a lighter weight leaf spring while providing customized roll stiffness and vertical spring rate that are complemented by a bumper that engages the leaf spring assembly when compressed to at least a preselected position.

Abstract: A vehicle axle is provided with a main body defined by the combination of a channel having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a bottom plate. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. Axle head sections are formed at the ends of the axle and are closed off by end extensions extending from the front and rear walls of the channel and a cover flap extension extending from the top wall of the channel. A head plate having a rounded back edge and/or a pocket is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions.

Abstract: A vehicle axle is provided with a main body defined by the combination of a channel having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a bottom plate. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. Axle head sections are formed at the ends of the axle and are closed off by end extensions extending from the front and rear walls of the channel and a cover flap extension extending from the top wall of the channel. A head plate having a rounded back edge and/or a pocket is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions.

Abstract: An automotive fuel system including a reservoir in a fuel tank of the vehicle and a fuel pump in the reservoir. Surplus fuel from a fuel injection system is returned to and confined in the reservoir. An inside screen is disposed between an inlet of the fuel pump and an inlet port from the fuel tank into the reservoir. The inside screen has a porous wall permeable to liquid fuel and impermeable to vapor when partially submerged in liquid fuel. An outside screen surrounds the inlet port in the fuel tank and has a porous wall permeable to liquid fuel and impermeable to vapor when partially submerged in liquid fuel. The porous wall of the inside and outside screens cooperate in sustaining suction at the fuel pump inlet when the reservoir is depleted.