Abstract: Vehicle front body structure includes, in each of its left and right sections, a damper housing having mounted thereon an upper portion of a suspension damper; a front side frame having the housing attached thereto; a damper housing connection bracket inserted in an opening of the frame; a welding section formed on the housing and fixed to the bracket; a lid fitted in the opening to form the frame as a closed-sectional-shape structure. The body structure also includes a collar nut provided within the side frame and supporting a sub frame, and each of the housings has a lower section connected to the collar nut.

Abstract: A motorcycle conversion assembly comprises a pair of sub-frame structures to be connected to a motorcycle frame in at least three points and substantially traversing the length of the motorcycle. The conversion assembly can be disconnected by the cycle owner while maintaining the structural integrity of the motorcycle and the rear drivewheel. A pair of trailing arm structures are rotatably affixed to each of the sub-frames with bushings and extend aft of the drivewheel and each contain an additional pair of wheel hub assemblies, essentially equal in size to standard cycle tires. Lower shock absorber mounts are disposed on the trailing arms adjacent to the wheel hub assemblies to accommodate a total of four shock absorbers where the upper shock absorber mounts are affixed to the sub-frame of the conversion assembly and subsequently the motorcycle frame. Stabilizer rods laterally secure the trailing arm assemblies to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided in which a sub-frame is fixed to a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and serves as a suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame. In the sub-frame, a rear member extends between a sub-frame upper pipe and a sub-frame lower pipe. The rear member includes a rear upper arm supporting portion and a rear lower arm supporting portion, for supporting proximal ends of an upper arm and a lower arm of a rear suspension. The frame structure hereof improves accuracy and rigidity of the suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame, and provides a simplified structure as compared to conventional frame structures.

Abstract: A lower part structure in a vehicle body rear part has a rear suspension frame disposed in rear of a fuel tank and in front of a spare tire and has a mechanism for causing jump up of the rear part of the spare tire under load application from the vehicle rear. The lower part structure is configured so that the center in the vertical direction of the front part of the spare tire is located so as to lap on the extension line of vertical width of a frame in the vehicle width direction of the rear suspension frame, and when the spare tire is moved to the vehicle front by a load applied from the vehicle rear, the spare tire comes into contact with the rear suspension frame directly or indirectly, whereby the rear part of the spare tire is pushed up with the rear suspension frame side being the center, and is turned in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mount assembly (74) for a transmission (78) on a vehicle having at least two frame members (16A, 16B) and a cross member (12) extending substantially between the frame members includes a mounting member (40) that is attached to the cross member. A cradle member (60) is coupled to the mounting member (40) and is configured for attachment to the transmission (78). The cradle member (60) suspends the transmission (78) from a top surface (83) of the transmission.

Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle with a swing arm swingably supported on a body frame. A shock absorber is connected to the body frame and the swing arm for applying a damping force. A shock absorber support member is suspended to the body frame in a vehicle width direction for supporting an upper end of the shock absorber. The shock absorber is supported on a central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member. The central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member is formed in a U-shape that is open at a lower side in a cross section taken along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An upper surface and a lower surface of the shock absorber support member are curved wherein a central portion lies above the end portion in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension assemblies including air spring assemblies and components of the vehicle suspension assemblies are described. A vehicle suspension assembly that is attachable to a pair of vehicle frame rails includes a pair of support beams and a cross member, such as a cross tube, extending between and connected to the pair of support beams. Each support beam includes a locator-tab and each air spring assembly includes a locator-tab-slot for receiving a locator-tab of a support beam. The cross tube is fastened to the air spring assembly via a retention strap that wraps around portions of the cross tube. The locator-tabs and locator-tab-slots may be operable, alone or in combination with the retention strap, as a lateral restraint. In this regard, the lateral restraint may restrain the air spring from moving in a lateral direction between two frame rails to which the vehicle suspension assembly attaches.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a hollow member or a half hollow member including two side portions opposed apart to each other; a collar; and a bolt. The collar includes two contact surfaces at both ends of the collar. The two contact surfaces are adapted to respectively abut on the two side portions between the two side portions. At least one of the two contact surfaces is formed with a receiving portion for caulking. Moreover, the collar is formed with a bolt-hole passing through the two contact surfaces. The collar is disposed between the two side portions, and is caulked with the hollow member or half hollow member at a caulked portion formed from at least one of the two side portions toward the receiving portion. The bolt is adapted to pass through the two side portions and the bolt-hole to connect the hollow member or half hollow member with another member.

Abstract: A spring strut mounting for holding an upper end of a spring strut of a motor vehicle contains a spring strut dome with an articulation point for articulatedly connecting the upper end of the spring strut. The spring strut mounting further has a lower dome carrier which can be connected to a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle, and an upper dome carrier which can be connected to an A pillar of the motor vehicle, with the upper dome carrier engaging over the articulation point.

Abstract: A forecab and additional electrical and mechanical components attachable to a motorcycle for converting a motorcycle between its standard configuration and a three-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The forecab has two front wheels, chassis, a body, a motorcycle front wheel cradle, headlights and parking lights, and standard automobile-type components such as a steering wheel, foot brake, clutch, and foot-manipulated gas pedal. The forecab components are connected to corresponding motorcycle components using both electrical connections, and mechanical linkages as appropriate. The invention adds components to the motorcycle so that the linkages between the forecab and the motorcycle component may be implemented. The mechanical linkages, electrical connections and motorcycle-securing mechanisms are designed to they can be easily connected and disconnected in a manner so that the biker can easily transition between the three-wheeled motorcycle-powered vehicle and the standard motorcycle without tools.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a body frame structure for a straddle-type four wheeled vehicle having a light weight and a high rigidity. The body frame structure included, a pair of right and left upper frame members, a pair of right and left lower frame members; a front frame member; and a pair of right and left bracket members connecting rear ends of the upper frame members and rear ends of the lower frame members. The upper frame members, the lower frame members, the front frame member and the bracket members are made of aluminum or alloy including aluminum.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a suspension arm fixing structure provided under the floor of a vehicle body and having a statically sufficient rigidity, the fuel tank being located so as to partially overlap the suspension arm fixing structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a supporting member provided under the fuel tank so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle being detachably fastened to the suspension arm fixing structure to bring the fuel tank into pressure contact with the floor of the vehicle body by fixing the fuel tank. The supporting member serves also as a reinforcing member for imparting rigidity to the suspension arm fixing structure so that the suspension arm fixing structure can sufficiently sustain a dynamic load during running of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support for motor vehicles. The axle support, especially a rear axle support for motor vehicles with non-powered rear axle, is constituted of two cast light-alloy longitudinal girders (A, B) which can be connected to each other by upper and lower connecting elements (C, D).

Abstract: A suspension member is fixed to a front part of a vehicle body from below. A stabilizer is fixedly held on an upper surface of the suspension member. The stabilizer has bent portions. At the time of a front end collision of the vehicle, a rear part of the suspension member separates from the vehicle body for rearward movement of the suspension member relative to the vehicle body to allow the bent portions to come into engagement with the vehicle body.

Abstract: A three piece belly-band crossmember is provided which may be installed as a single assembly and from which the center subassembly may be removed after installation, allowing access to the vehicle powertrain. The crossmember maintains integral strength as a result of a tab and slot arrangement and overlapping frame mounting holes between its three subassemblies. It may be provided with a suspension component mounting point. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle may include an assembly including a front member, a rear member, and a pair of side members of which both front ends are jointed to distal ends of the front member and of which both rear ends are jointed to distal ends of the rear member respectively, wherein the front member, the rear member, and the side members form upper members and lower members that are combined to have a box-shaped close cross section by structural adhesive members.

Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly includes a mainframe, a support bracket, and a subframe. The support bracket is coupled with the mainframe. The subframe is coupled with the support bracket such that the subframe is stationary with respect to the mainframe. The support bracket is configured for pivotal attachment to a suspension element. Vehicles including a frame assembly having a support bracket are also provided.

Abstract: A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle bracket for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, as an assembled structural unit comprising a single profiled transversal carrier (1) and consoles (2, 3) fixed to the end regions of the structural unit. Said consoles are each provided with moulded binding positions (A, B; C, D; E; F; G, H) for at least three of the following units—the upper transverse links (6), the lower transverse links (4), the track rods (5), and the spring or damping unit (7)—and each comprise at least two moulded binding positions (G, H) for attaching the axle bracket to the bodywork.

Abstract: A lower arm assembly for a suspension system may include a lower arm member, and/or a stabilizer bar mounting rod supported by the lower arm member, wherein one end portion of the stabilizer bar mounting rod is pivotally coupled to a shock absorber and the other end thereof is fixedly connected to a connecting link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle suspension arm supporting structure. A receiving portion 9 is formed integrally on a subframe 5 which is formed of a light metal in such a manner as to extend transversely outwards, and a sheet steel member 15 is connected to the subframe 5 by a bolt or a nut in such a manner as to be situated below the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 at a predetermined interval. A base portion 13b of a suspension arm 13 is disposed between the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, the base portion 13b of the suspension arm 13 is supported on the subframe 5 via a rubber bushing joint 14 by a connecting bolt 16 which vertically passes through the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, and the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 is connected to a side member 4 by the connecting bolt 16.

Abstract: A conversion assembly for enabling or improving wheelchair accessibility to a front-wheel-drive vehicle, wherein said assembly comprises rear suspension mountings for fixing to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension such that a portion of a floorpan of the vehicle of sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between said rear suspension mountings. A method of converting a front-wheel-drive vehicle to enable or improve wheelchair accessibility to the vehicle, the method including the steps of removing an existing rear suspension from the vehicle, installing rear suspension mountings to the vehicle, one at each side of the structure of the vehicle, and lowering a portion of the floorpan of the vehicle between said rear suspension mountings.

Abstract: A front cross member 202 of a rear subframe 53 has a recessed portion 221 which is recessed continuously over a longitudinal direction thereof. The recessed portion 221 is formed at a lower portion of the cross member 202 and is recessed upwardly, and an elastic bush 240 is fitted in a resulting recess. The elastic bush 240 has an elastic element 243 which connects together an inner tube 241 and an outer tube 242 which surrounds the inner tube 231 and is mounted on the rear subframe 53 at the recessed portion 221 as a bracket. The bracket 221 has bracket plate portions 263a, 263b which each have a plane which is brought into contact with an end face of the inner tube and folded-back portions 235, 235. The bracket 221 is disposed in such a manner as to hold therein both ends of the inner tube 241 and is configured such that the elastic bush 240 is mounted thereon by passing a bolt 224 through the inner tube 241.

Abstract: A rear suspension cross member mounting structure includes a rear floor side member with a 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and a 2WD rear cross member mounting hole, and a reinforcement bracket with a slot corresponding to both the 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and the 2WD rear cross member mounting hole. The structure may further include a bolt, passing through the reinforcement bracket and the rear floor side member to attach the rear cross member to the structure. The bolt may pass sequentially through the reinforcement bracket, the rear floor side member, and the rear cross member, and then engage with a nut provided below the rear cross member.

Abstract: A working machine having a main frame structure which includes a pair of endless tracks. Each track is entrained about track supporting devices mounted by a track sub-frame. The sub-frame includes inner and outer members interconnected by cross members. The inner and outer members are arranged side by side. At least one upper track support device is mounted between the inner and outer members at or adjacent upper edges thereof. At least one lower track supporting device is mounted to extend between the inner and outer members at or adjacent lower edges thereof. The inner and outer members and cross members of at least one of the track sub-frames is provided by a monolithic casting.

Abstract: An extended section is provided on a head of a mounting bolt used to mount attached components, such as a front suspension member, a rear suspension member, and a rear stability brace, to a floor panel of a monocoque body. The extended section extends along the axis of the mounting bolt in a direction opposite to a threaded section. A male screw is formed on the extended section. Mount brackets of the vehicle body vibration damping apparatus can be mounted to the male screw.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a pair of left and right wheels; a vehicle body frame supported at least partially by the pair of left and right wheels; and a suspension provided between the pair of left and right wheels and the vehicle body frame, the suspension being a five-linkage type rigid axle suspension including: a pair of left and right upper arms and a pair of left and right lower arms for positioning the pair of left and right wheels in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a lateral rod for positioning the pair of left and right wheels in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, a pair of left and right coil springs for absorbing shocks from the road, and a pair of left and right dampers for controlling the movements of the pair of left and right coil springs. An auxiliary frame is further provided for supporting the pair of left and right wheels, an engine, and a transmission device, wherein the auxiliary frame is suspended on the vehicle body frame via the suspension.

Abstract: A structure of a suspension subframe (1) for supporting a plurality of suspension arms (12, 14, 16) of multi-link suspension systems (2), which comprises first and second lateral members (20, 22) each extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a pair of longitudinal members (24, 26) each extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a pair of right and left upper-arm support portions (52) provided in right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, and a pair of right and left lower-arm support portions (50) provided in the right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, wherein the first lateral member (20 or 22) is formed to allow a load to be transmitted diagonally between the left upper-arm support portion (52) and the right lower-arm support portion (50) and diagonally between the left lower-arm support portion (50) and the right upper-arm support portion (52).

Abstract: A sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis. The suspension includes two longitudinally extending slide rails and an axle assembly having two axles. At least one suspension spring member dampens relative movement between the axle assembly and the trailer chassis. At least one laterally extending cross beam is secured to the longitudinally extending rails. The suspension system also includes four bracing members and at least one central connecting member. Two of the bracing members are secured to and extend between one of the rails and the central connecting member while the other two bracing members are secured to and extend between the other rail and the central connecting member. The bracing members are arranged in an X-shaped configuration between the two rails. In some embodiments, the bracing members have an S-shaped cross section. A method of assembling a sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension system including a vehicle chassis, first and second axles and first and second longitudinal assemblies. The longitudinal assemblies include leaf springs secured relative to both of the axles. Air springs are positioned between the longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis. First and second lift limiting members limit the vertical separation between the first and second longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis within a respective limited range having a predetermined maximum limit. The suspension system also includes first and second spring members coupled with the first and second longitudinal assemblies. The spring members exert a biasing force respectively urging the longitudinal assemblies away from the vehicle chassis for only a part of the limited ranges of vertical separation between the longitudinal members and the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An oscillation joint for a chain driven independent suspension is disclosed. The oscillation joint may include a stationary frame member configured to support a first end of a drive chain. The oscillation joint may also include an oscillating frame member configured to support a second end of the drive chain and rotate about the stationary frame member. The oscillation joint may further include a first thrust washer located between a first surface of the stationary frame member and a substantially parallel first surface of the oscillating frame member. A first wear sleeve may be located substantially perpendicular to the first thrust washer.

Abstract: An engine support structure improves energy absorbing efficiency at the vehicle body frame in relation to impact input from the vehicle front to rear direction. The support structure includes a vehicle body frame having front frame side members extending in the front to rear direction of the vehicle, a sub-frame disposed below the vehicle body frame and that supports the engine, and connecting members that connect the front frame side members and sub-frame. A suspension device for an automobile prevents insecure tightening. A support member which connects a body vehicle side member and sub-frame is provided with an outer tubular member connected to the sub-frame and that extends in the upper to lower direction, an inner tubular member mated into the upper portion of outer tubular member, and an insulator mated into inner tubular member and whose length in the upper to lower direction is shorter than outer tubular member.

Abstract: A front cross member 202 of a rear subframe 53 has a recessed portion 221 which is recessed continuously over a longitudinal direction thereof. The recessed portion 221 is formed at a lower portion of the cross member 202 and is recessed upwardly, and an elastic bush 240 is fitted in a resulting recess. The elastic bush 240 has an elastic element 243 which connects together an inner tube 241 and an outer tube 242 which surrounds the inner tube 231 and is mounted on the rear subframe 53 at the recessed portion 221 as a bracket. The bracket 221 has bracket plate portions 263a, 263b which each have a plane which is brought into contact with an end face of the inner tube and folded-back portions 235, 235. The bracket 221 is disposed in such a manner as to hold therein both ends of the inner tube 241 and is configured such that the elastic bush 240 is mounted thereon by passing a bolt 224 through the inner tube 241.

Abstract: A vehicle independent suspension for a double-wishbone high link axle has on each wheel side, a wheel carrier which is mounted by at least one lower link and at least one upper link in the form of a transverse or diagonal link, on an assembly frame that is fastened to the vehicle frame. The assembly frame comprises two longitudinal members and two cross members that are fixedly connected in a force-fitting or materially joined fashion to the longitudinal members. The rear cross member is extended upward forming a link carrier for the upper link or mounting the link carrier in a dimensionally rigid manner by a support element. For each longitudinal member, a further link carrier for the upper link is arranged between the cross members; and said further link carrier engages in each case around the closest longitudinal member in a form-fitting or force-fitting or materially joined fashion.

Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

Abstract: An auxiliary supporting frame for receiving drive shafts of a vehicle, wherein the auxiliary supporting frame has longitudinal supporting arms and transverse supporting arms connecting the latter to each other in order to form a closed frame shape, and wherein one or more openings are provided for the passage of drive shafts or shaft sections, and having at least one stiffening sleeve element is arranged in the at least one opening in at least one longitudinal supporting arm or in a section of the auxiliary supporting frame, and the sleeve element is fitted in such a manner into the opening between shells, parts or walls of the at least one longitudinal supporting arm, which is designed as a hollow body, the said shells, parts or walls forming a longitudinal supporting arm, and is fastened in such a manner to the shells, parts or walls of the at least one longitudinal supporting arm that it closes off the opening to the interior of the hollow body in a sealing manner in order to form protection against corros

Abstract: A cross member for a motor vehicle includes an elongated, non-cast center structure and first and second castings. The center structure is formed as a one-piece, unitary structure and has a first end, a mid portion, and a second end. The first casting is rigidly connected to the first end of the center structure and the second casting is rigidly connected to the second end of the center structure. Each of the castings is configured and arranged to be attached to a respective motor vehicle element.

Abstract: Ball joints, systems in which they are used, and suspension systems in which the ball joint systems are employed. The ball joints, systems and suspension mechanisms are especially useful for racing vehicles in which premium performance is desired. As an additional feature, the products of this invention are especially appreciated because of the ability to quickly and easily replace or change them.

Abstract: In installation structure and method of a vehicular suspension, each of left and right suspension links couples a corresponding one of the left and right side members with the suspension member and is provided with a breakable portion which breaks due to a load generated when the load applied to a forward end portion of at least one of left and right front side members causes a drive unit and a drive shaft to be moved toward a rearward direction of a vehicle body to bring the drive shaft in contact against a corresponding one of the left and right suspension links.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis comprises two longitudinal side rails (10, 12). A first cross member (14) extends in a transverse direction between the front ends of the side rails (10, 12) and a second cross member (20) extends in a transverse direction between the central portions of the side rails. The chassis further comprises two secondary longitudinal members (22, 24) extending between the first cross member (14) and the second cross member (20), and the secondary longitudinal members are each connected to the side rails by means of a central support section (28, 30) which is longitudinally spaced between the first and second cross members (14, 20). The structure provides rigid support for the vehicle suspension and for a eye recovery (42), and crumples in a controlled way on frontal impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame with engane, drive gear and at least one driven wheel at the rear, and two front wheels which are used in part to steer the vehicle. The vehicle can also be steered in that the frame with engine, drive gear and the driven rear wheel can be banked over to the side like a motorcycle. The present invention relates in particular to a design which helps to move the centre of gravity when such a vehicle is tilted to the side so that, inter alia, it is easier to right the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to affect and determine the driving characteristics of the vehicle by varying different design parameters within the scope of the present invention. The invention also relates to a special design for the mounting of footboards on which the driver of the vehicle can place his/her feet when driving the vehicle.

Abstract: An independent adjustable axle suspension system for mounting a wheel to a frame of a trailer for transport of the trailer over a support surface. The axle suspension system includes a tower adapted to be attached to the frame and an axle unit adapted to receive the wheel. The tower is selectively moveable with respect to the axle unit along guide assemblies between extended and retracted positions to thereby selectively position the height of the frame with respect to the support surface.

Abstract: A front subframe 42 is formed of an aluminum alloy into a frame that is formed substantially into a shape of parallel crosses or into a rectangular shape and is made up of left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 which are disposed at corners of the frame that is formed substantially into the shape of parallel crosses or the rectangular shape, and left and right longitudinal members 61, 61, and front and rear cross members 62, 67 which connect the joint portions 64, 64, 71, 71 together. The left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and the left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product, whereas the left and right longitudinal members 61, 61 are formed of an aluminum alloy wrought product. In addition, connecting locations 76 . . . of a camber angle adjusting mechanism 157 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product. Additionally, a rear cross member compound 63 is formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product.

Abstract: A four-point wishbone-shaped linkage is disclosed for use in a suspension system. The wishbone-shaped linkage includes a base and two limbs extending away from the base creating a large mouth open area between the limbs and base. The base includes a bar and bushing assembly extending laterally therethrough. Also disclosed are suspension systems incorporating the four-point wishbone-shaped linkage. The suspension system connects an axle to a vehicle chassis having a first frame member and a second frame member extending longitudinally on opposite sides of the chassis, respectively. The first and second frame hangers are mounted to the first and second frame member, respectively, a cross member connects the first and second frame hangers and the wishbone-shaped linkage is pivotally connected to the axle seats mounted to the axle and to the cross member. The suspension system also can include air springs, shock absorbers and torque rods.

Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure includes a support frame of generally rectangular shape attached to side frames of a vehicle body from below for supporting thereon a vehicle part including a fuel tank. The support frame is connected at a front end thereof to floor frames disposed inwardly of the side frames and extending along front parts of the side frames and, at a rear end thereof, to rear frames forming rear parts of the side frames.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a payload within a vehicle, especially a land vehicle. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a cradle that permits the payload to translate fore and aft during sudden decelerations of the vehicle, such as when an off road vehicle runs into an obstacle. Preferably, the payload motion is damped by dampeners that couple the payload to the vehicle.

Abstract: Rear vehicle structure for housing one or more electrical system unit(s) in the rear of a vehicle, in which side members are provided proximate to a rear suspension of the vehicle, at least one side member on either side of the vehicle. Extension parts extend rearwardly from respective rearward ends of the side members, a forward cross member is located substantially at a forward end of the side members and above the rear suspension members, and a rearward cross member is located substantially at a rearward end of the side members and above the rear suspension members. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to the top of at least one of the forward cross member or the rearward cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes an airbag (10) arranged to act substantially horizontally so as to apply a substantially horizontal force to a horizontally movable force-transmitting member (12) and a parallelogram linkage (16, 17, 18, 19) that acts between the force-transmitting member (12) and a part (14) of the vehicle chassis (10).