Abstract: A rear suspension assembly for a drag racing vehicle in which the assembly includes a plurality of links with a brace assembly connecting a pair of links. The links provide a connection between the vehicle chassis and the rear axle housing. The brace assembly is attached to two links on opposite sides of the drive shaft, thereby maintaining the two links in a fixed spatial relationship. In one embodiment, the brace assembly includes members arranged in an X-shape, with the outboard ends of the X-shape attached to the distal ends of two links. In one such embodiment, the cross-brace assembly includes a cross-brace extending from the medial section of one link to the medial section of the opposite link and the cross-brace is connected to the center of the X-shaped brace. In another embodiment, the brace assembly includes members in a Y-shape in conjunction with members bridging the two links.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension having a trailing arm, an air spring assembly and a spacer. The spacer is removably located between the trailing arm and the air spring assembly. Either or both of the top surface or the bottom surface of the spacer are tapered.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: A distributed compliance air-ride axle/suspension system includes an integral structure preferably formed of a lightweight composite material, replacing traditional beams and an axle. The composite structure includes a plurality of plates of various sizes and shapes, with the size, shape and arrangement of the plates being determined by the load capacity model of a specific vehicle application. Traditional axle spindle ends are mounted on the integral plate structure, together with pivot bushings, air springs, and shock absorbers, to complete the air-ride axle/suspension system. The system in turn is pivotally mounted on frame brackets of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a semi-trailer or dump truck. Forces, loads and/or stresses imposed on the axle/suspension system during vehicle operation are distributed generally throughout the composite structure to achieve the desired structural roll compliance of the axle/suspension system for the particular application.

Abstract: A suspension air spring lift kit has a trailing arm having an end that is pivotally connected to a hanger bracket. A vertically oriented air bag is connected between another end of the trailing arm and a frame member of a vehicle, for example, a dump truck or a trailer in a tractor-trailer combination. An air spring system having a lower bracket and an upper bracket, with an air spring bag positioned between these two brackets, is attached between the frame member and the trailing arm. When the air spring bag is inflated, the air spring system lifts the trailing arm. When the air spring bag is deflated, the air spring system allows the trailing arm to be lowered.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: Wheel suspension (10) for a wheeled vehicle, comprising at least one lower, wheel-carrying radius arm (12) with an inner end, which is designed for fastening so that it can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis in a vehicle frame (14), and an outer end, which is pivotally fastened to a lower part of a wheel hub (24), and at least one upper support arm (28), one end of which is fastened to an upper part of the wheel hub (24), and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame (14). The inner end of the lower radius arm (12) is designed for pivotal connection to the vehicle frame (14) by way of a lower arm part (16) of a double rocker arm (18), swiveling about a substantially horizontal axis (20), whilst the upper support arm (28) is pivotally connected to an upper arm part (34) of the double rocker arm (18) via a connecting link (36), which is pivotally connected to the upper support arm (28) and to the upper arm part (34) of the double rocker arm (18).

Abstract: A highly roll stable suspension system for a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer which achieves its roll stability by the use of at least three beam structures, one beam being located beneath a respective longitudinal side frame member of the vehicle, and the other being located midpoint between the side frame members and which occupies substantially less space than the space between these opposing longitudinal side frame members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and an arm assembly. The arm assembly includes an axle bracket attached to the axle and a leading or trailing arm attached to the axle bracket. The arm provides bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The axle bracket is attached to the vehicle axle with a through-bolt connection. The axle bracket or the arm includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system for use on a vehicle having a chassis. The lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly that is operably coupled to the vehicle chassis with a support arm assembly. A support biasing member is located between the axle assembly and the vehicle chassis for transferring loads between the axle assembly and the vehicle chassis. A lift spring member is also provided. The lift spring member is an air spring member and has one end that is pivotally mounted. Extension of the lift spring member lifts the axle assembly from a use position where the wheels attached to the axle assembly are engageable with a road surface to a storage position where the wheels attached to the axle assembly are not engaged with the road surface.

Abstract: A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and a fully integrated beam casting providing bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The beam casting is attached to the vehicle axle with a thru-bolt connection. The beam casting includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly that includes first and second main beams each having a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame, and a second end having a cavity formed therein, and first and second extension members each having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the first and second extensions are interference-fit within and extend outwardly from the cavity of the first and second main beams, respectively. The assembly further including a torsion member having apertured first and second ends that receive the first and second extension members therein, and threaded mechanical fasteners extending through the apertures of the first and second extension members and engage nuts that are frictionally engaged by the first and second main beams.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension member of a vehicle suspension system is adapted for supporting a frame of vehicle. The suspension member interconnects first and second components of the vehicle, and enables movement of the first component relative to the second component when the vehicle is in motion. The suspension member includes an elongated swivel link assembly having first and second opposite ends. The first end is operatively connected to the first component of the vehicle, and the second end is operatively connected to the second component of the vehicle. The link assembly swivels about a longitudinal axis defined by the suspension member. The swivel range is greater than 45 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus and lifting method for a vehicle axle having a first bracket, a second bracket, an air spring and at least one connector. The first bracket has two substantially vertically oriented slots. The second bracket has a substantially horizontal plate and a bar secured to the plate. The ends of the bar extend through the vertically oriented slots. The air spring is located under the horizontal plate. Connectors connect the bar to the axle housing so that when the air bag is inflated the second bracket, with the bar, is moved upwardly. The axle housing, being connected to the bar via the connectors is also drawn upwardly.

Abstract: In a vehicular trailing arm type suspension structure, a trailing arm is formed by arranging and joining a first half trailing arm plate member and a second half trailing arm plate member in a longitudinal direction. The first half trailing arm plate member and the second half trailing arm plate member are formed so that, when they are joined, a predetermined length portion in the trailing arm relatively close to a vehicle body-side end of the trailing arm in the longitudinal direction has a hollow shape, and a predetermined length portion in the trailing arm relatively close to a wheel-side end of the trailing arm in the longitudinal direction is platy so as to allow a use as an axle bearing mount surface.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a unitized heavy duty axle suspension and steering system for self powered chassis. The steerable suspension system embodied in this invention takes advantage of the unique location and connection of the steering gear to the Pitman arm and its location and connection by the primary drag link to the bell crank assembly below and in-between the frame rails and above the axle. The primary drag link is the same length as the suspension arms and is located in a parallel plane to them when the vehicle is moving forward in a straight line. This unique arrangement virtually eliminates the phenomenon known as bump steer and allows the wheels to turn at a high degree of steer, dramatically increasing maneuverability for long wheel base chassis. The assembly with all of the steering controls and components between the rails and above the axle allow for unitized assembly and very straightforward installation.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes air spring portion, an air supply source, a switching valve causing a total air volume of the air spring portion to be constituted by only a main air chamber and by a sum of the main air chamber and a sub air chamber, an auxiliary valve, operating state determining portion for determining an operating state of the vehicle, and controlling portion for controlling the adjusting valve, the switching valve and the auxiliary valve.

Abstract: In a rigid vehicle axle comprising an axle beam with axle journals forming wheel carriers arranged at the ends thereof, and at least two trailing arms rigidly fixed to the axle beam, each half of the rigid vehicle axle comprises an axle beam section, a trailing arm section and a wheel head section arranged adjacent one after another and the ends of the axle tube sections overlap with the adjoining ends of the trailing arm sections and their end faces are congruent with the respectively adjoining end faces of the wheel head sections, at least in some areas, and the adjoining sections are welded together.

Abstract: A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes at least first and second cast components. The first and second cast components are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first cast component is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld and the second cast component is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld. A bushing tube is then welded to one of the first and second cast components and is subsequently attached to a vehicle frame member. The first weld area comprises a pair of laterally spaced window welds and the second weld area comprises a single window weld.

Abstract: A rear suspension apparatus is disclosed for a high speed vehicle body having a first and a second driven ground engaging wheel. The apparatus includes a first truck arm having a first and a second end. The first end of the first arm is connected to the body of the vehicle at a first fixed location. A second truck arm has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the second arm being connected to the body of the vehicle at a second fixed location. A drive axle has a first and a second side, the second end of the first arm being secured adjacent to the first side of the axle. The second extremity of the second arm is secured adjacent to the second side of the axle such that the axle is supported by the arms. The arrangement is such that a first plane extending through the first and second sides of the axle is disposed spaced and parallel relative to a second plane extending through the first and the second locations.

Abstract: A suspension system having a reduced weight arm construction. In one vehicle suspension system, an axle is constructed at least partially of a metal alloy. An arm assembly of the suspension system includes an axle attachment constructed at least partially of a material which cannot be welded directly to the metal alloy. To interconnect the axle to the axle attachment of the arm assembly, a transition device is permanently secured to the metal alloy and permanently secured to the axle attachment material.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes trailing arm assemblies that have one end pivotally mounted to a first suspension rail, an opposite end with an air spring support formed with the trailing arm, and an axle mount portion that is mounted to an axle beam. A Panhard arm provides lateral stiffness and includes a first pivotal connection to the trailing arm and a second pivotal connection to a second suspension rail laterally spaced from the first suspension rail.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: An expanding independent load suspension system that incorporates a square walking beam, unique bushings, and multiple expanding sliding units to spread the load bearing tires evenly over the surface instead of grouping them close together. With the weight of the vehicle having the ability to pivot over three separate axes, it maintains an equal pressure on all the tires no matter what the surface conditions. Additional benefits are derived by the separation of the tires with the new design of the square walking beam causing less damage to the roadways. The vehicle has been designed to operate on the highways in the conventional ten-foot width, and then expand to a maximum of twenty feet to move large loads with the permits required.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension structure includes a frame member having a first side portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion extends in a first direction relative to the first side portion. The structure also includes a suspension mounting member attached to the first side portion of the frame member. The suspension mounting member extends in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The structure also includes a support bracket attached to the bottom portion of the frame member and the suspension mounting member. The structure further includes a suspension member rotatably coupled to the suspension mounting member and supporting a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle comprising a chassis, a rigid drive axle, an opposite axle and road wheels attached to the ends of each axle, a torque reaction control link positioned longitudinally of the motor vehicle with longitudinal control arms pivotally attached to the rigid drive axle, for controlling torque reaction of the rigid drive axle, in combination with the torque reaction control link. The torque reaction control Link has a longitudinal plane that extends longitudinally of the motor vehicle and whereby the effective projection lines of the longitudinal control arms and the longitudinal plane of the torque reaction control link Intersect each other forming a convergent angle at an instant center located closer to the opposite axle than to the rigid drive axle and that when a force moves the rigid drive axle vertically up the convergent angle does not increase.

Abstract: A trailing beam suspension comprises a hanger bracket adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame, wherein the hanger bracket includes a mounting aperture, and a trailing beam pivotally mounted to the hanger bracket by a pivot pin extending through the mounting aperture of the hanger bracket. The trailing beam suspension also comprises an adjustable mechanism operably coupled to the hanger bracket including a selector member in operable engagement with the pivot pin and having a plurality of first coupler portions, and at least one second coupler portion that is selectively engageable with at least one of the first coupler portions, wherein adjusting the selector member such that alternative first coupler portions engage the at least one second coupler portion adjust the position of the trailing beam with respect to a vehicle frame rail in a fore-or-aft direction.

Abstract: An adjustment arrangement in a suspension hanger assembly that can be used to square the orientation of an axle with the travel direction of the incorporating vehicle. The adjustment arrangement includes a hanger bracket that has a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart hanger legs projecting generally away from the vehicle and each of the hanger legs has an elongate aperture or slot that is mutually aligned, one with the other. A bushing pin is inserted through both elongate apertures with opposite end portions of the pin being similarly positioned in each of the apertures. A substantially squared orientation is established between the hanger bracket and the bushing pin. A pair of adjustment devices are provided, one each, in association with a respective end portion of the bushing pin.

Abstract: A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes first and second axle wraps. The first and second axle wraps are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first axle wrap is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld area and the second axle wrap is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld area. The first axle wrap includes a spring seat and the second axle wrap includes an arm body with a bushing receiver portion at one arm end. A bushing tube attached to the bushing receiver portion. The first weld area comprises a single window weld and the second weld area comprises first and second window welds that are positioned on opposing sides of the arm body.

Abstract: A track bar for a rear suspension of a vehicle has a first tubular member, an energy dissipating member wrapped around the first tubular member, and a second tubular member encompassing the energy dissipating member. Together, the tubular members and energy dissipating member dampen vibration transmitted through the track bar to lessen the audible vibrations that rear the interior of a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A vehicle has a body and at least two trailing arm suspensions, one proximate each side of the body. Each trailing arm suspension has a swing arm pivotably mounted at one end to the body and a fluid suspension extending between the swing arm and the body. A wheel is rotatably mounted to a free end of each swing arm. A power plant is provided for powering each wheel and a control system is provided for controlling a volume of fluid in each fluid suspension. The vehicle may have a longitudinally extending body with a sliding side door riding along a track configured such that said door has an open position extending transversely of said body. The vehicle may have a monocoque body with at least substantially planar sides and at least one parcel shelf extending along an inside of, and attached to, each of the sides for stiffening the sides and resisting torsion.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a laterally extending axle and an arm assembly welded to the axle. The arm assembly includes a longitudinally extending arm body having top and bottom surfaces, an axle connector welded to the axle and an end of the arm body, and a plate extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body top surface, wrapped rearwardly about and welded to the axle connector, and extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body bottom surface. A method includes the steps of welding an axle connector to an axle; welding a plate to the axle connector, the plate being wrapped rearwardly about the axle connector; and welding an arm body to the axle connector and to the plate, the arm body having top and bottom surfaces, and the plate being welded to each of the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension axle wrap is a composite tubular structure of cast or forged shells of part-tubular shape. The shells are assembled into a tubular form and welded together at juxtaposed edges. The shells can be cast or forged accurately to shape and profile to provide an improved quality axle wrap. Wall thickness variations can be designed into the shells. The juxtaposed edges are shaped to space the welding at the edges from the interior of the assembled axle wrap. The edges are beveled adjacent the external circumferential surfaces of the shells to provide a V-shaped groove at which the welding is made. There is a stepped engagement at the edges between the V-shaped groove and the internal surface of the axle wrap to prevent the welding from extending to the internal surface. Each shell is formed with an aperture at which a welded joint can be made between the axle wrap and an axle.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system uses a transducer to detect changes in position of an arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A suspension that has particular application for a front axle of a heavy vehicle includes suspension arms that are better able to withstand increased brake torques that are expected to soon be mandated in heavy vehicles. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a vehicle frame, and rigidly secured to an axle. By utilizing the plurality of arms, simple spring elements are better able to withstand the increased brake torques.

Abstract: A longitudinal beam for a driver's cab which extends upward in an angular manner beyond a floor plate. An essentially straight longitudinal beam section is assembled with a separate longitudinal beam head.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: A system used for alignment of a vehicle suspension and axle includes a pear-shaped cam that is rotatable relative to one of two spaced plates of a hanger bracket. An aperture and nose in the cam plate is aligned with an elongated opening in the bracket plate. The cam further includes a pin that is configured for insertion and movement within an arcuate aperture in the bracket plate. A fastener extends through the aperture and the nose of the cam, through the elongated openings in the bracket plates, and through the suspension control arm. Rotation of the cam causes a corresponding movement of the pin along the arcuate-shaped aperture of the bracket and of the fastener along the elongated openings of the bracket.

Abstract: A suspension and a drive assembly is provided for forward and rear wheels disposed on first and second longitudinally spaced axles of a skid steer loader. The suspension includes a central bearing support and leading and trailing arms that are independently, pivotally mounted to the central bearing support and which support the forward and rear wheels. The drive assembly includes gear housings coupled to the leading and trailing arms and a motor having a housing coupled to one of the gear housings. The motor's output shaft drives a gear arrangement in one of the gear housings that in turn drives a driven axle shaft supporting one of the forward and rear wheels. A driven shaft is coupled to the output shaft through a universal joint and drives another gear arrangement in the other gear housing that in turn drives another driven axle shaft supporting the other wheel.

Abstract: An anti-creep locking mechanism for a trailer suspension system is disclosed. The disclosed locking mechanism includes at least one column that may be swung into a first position in a gap formed between a trailer frame and a suspension component to keep a trailer at a predetermined height. The column is biased into the first position by a spring. An actuator, such as a contracting air bag or an air cylinder with a linkage assembly, is used to overcome the biasing force of the spring and retract the column into a second position, thereby deactivating the anti-creep locking mechanism. The anti-creep mechanism may further include an angle limiter to insure that column is fully retracted once the system is deactivated.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system utilizes a resilient rod and bracket configuration to replace standard torque rods. Resilient rods are used to couple an axle member to a vehicle member. The axle member includes an axle bracket and the vehicle member includes a vehicle bracket. Upper and lower resilient rods are coupled to the axle and vehicle brackets at each axle end. The resilient rods are pogo rods that utilize a pair of resilient grommets at each rod end that are compressed against a bracket flange by a pair of rigid cups to provide a resilient mount interface. This resilient mount interface at each rod end allows relative movement between the axle and vehicle brackets and each rod in up to ten degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism selectively positions the subframe beneath a body of a trailer of the tractor-trailer. The retractable pin mechanism includes only two pins, with each pin being located generally centrally along a length of a respective one of the main members of the subframe. Each pin is extendable through an opening formed in its respective main member and a selected one of a plurality of openings formed in a body rail of the trailer, so that when the pins are in an extended or locked position, the retractable pin mechanism provides generally central support for the subframe and for an axle/suspension system which depends from the subframe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air spring lift kit that has a trailing arm with a first end portion that is pivotally connected to a hanger bracket. A horizontally oriented air bag is connected at one end to the hanger bracket and connected at another end to a pivoting lever arm. A link has one end pivotally connected to the lever arm and another end pivotally connected to a flange member that is secured to the trailing arm. A vertically oriented air bag is located between a second end portion of the trailing arm and a frame member of a vehicle, for example, a dump truck or a trailer in a tractor-trailer combination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torsion beam axle-type rear suspension, which simplifies and minimizes the shape and size of a rubber bush that prevents oversteer due to lateral force generated during a turning movement of a vehicle, by causing toe-in.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart and longitudinally-extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members. Each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members for suspending an axle/suspension system from the frame. A force distribution assembly is attached to the main members and the hangers and includes a component that deforms or shears in an extreme event. The force distribution assembly extends perpendicularly between the main members and interrupts the transmission of forces encountered by the axle/suspension system that move through each one of the hangers to its respective main member, and redirects at least a portion of such forces across said force distribution assembly and into the other one of the main members.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension axle wrap is a composite tubular structure of cast or forged shells of part-tubular shape. The shells are assembled into a tubular form and welded together at juxtaposed edges. The shells can be cast or forged accurately to shape and profile to provide an improved quality axle wrap. Wall thickness variations can be designed into the shells. The juxtaposed edges are shaped to space the welding at the edges from the interior of the assembled axle wrap. The edges are beveled adjacent the external circumferential surfaces of the shells to provide a V-shaped groove at which the welding is made. There is a stepped engagement at the edges between the V-shaped groove and the internal surface of the axle wrap to prevent the welding from extending to the internal surface. Each shell is formed with an aperture at which a welded joint can be made between the axle wrap and an axle.

Abstract: The present invention is a drop-down extra axle and wheel set for a utility truck. The extra axle and wheels are pivotally connected to an extra frame set that overlies and/or extends along the original frame for the truck, from the back end of the truck frame to near its midpoint just behind the cab of the truck. The extra frame set is a generally horizontal, rectangular piece that lays over the top of, and/or extends along, from the back end of to just behind the cab of, the original truck frame. The extra frame set has a trailing, extra, axle support assembly near its back end. The extra axle support assembly depends down from the extra frame, and supports an extra axle and wheel set at its bottom. A set of pivoting connecting rods extend forwardly from the bottom of the extra axle support assembly to pivot brackets which also depend down from the extra frame several feet forward of the extra axle support assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to vehicle suspension systems of the type with a trailing arm, and to a seat for securing the trailing arm to an axle or axle casing. Hitherto, trailing arms have been located on axles or axle casings and held in place by the force of U-bolts holding the trailing arm to the axle. Under excessive loads as can be applied to vehicle suspension systems, trailing arms can be moved out of alignment to the detriment of the running of the vehicle. To avoid such movement, seats for trailing arms are known to be welded to vehicle axes or casings and to which the trailing arms are secured such as by U-bolts.