Abstract: A vehicular suspension system has a hanger to attach beneath a vehicle, a rocker pivoted at a first end to the hanger and attached proximate a second end to an axle, a shock absorber extending between the hanger and an intermediate position on the rocker, as well as likely a spring on the rocker's second end to push up against the overhead vehicle. The suspension system incorporates an axle saddle configured for more strongly welding to the axle, as well as a composite construction for the rocker to make a tube and thereby achieve a more strongly welded connection to the axle saddle. The suspension system further incorporates a rocker-to-hanger rocking axis alignment subsystem as well as a shock-absorber protection subsystem.

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 compressible link suspension system for a wheel of a multi-wheel vehicle that has a frame and an axle for the wheel. The suspension system has upper and lower double-ended pivot members indirectly coupled to the wheel axle that isolate the rear wheel from the frame. The suspension system also has a shock absorber connected between the pivot members so as to be compressible from the top and the bottom via pivoting of the pivot members.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system which includes a least one suspension airbag interposed between a vehicle axle and a vehicle body and a supplementary airbag positioned on a fixed support in the suspension system and extending to a structural member of the suspension system, the arrangement being such that with the suspension airbag inflated and the supplementary airbag deflated, the suspension system operates normally, and with the suspension airbag deflated and the supplementary airbag inflated, the suspension system is lifted with a consequent lifting of the axle, to bring its road wheels clear of the road surface.

Abstract: A hanger assembly comprises a pair of hangers; a pair of trailer attachment plates, each attachment plate attached to one of the pair of hangers; and a transverse support member having a first end attached to one of the pair of hangers and a second end attached to the remaining hanger of the pair of hangers. The hanger assembly is made of aluminum and provides a lightweight, high strength hanger assembly for a trailer that cuts down on the weight of the trailer without diminishing the strength as compared to conventional trailers, and that is compatible with a conventional air ride suspension system and retrofittable on existing aluminum trailers in a bolt-on configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar pin attachment for bush assembly. The assembly comprises a longitudinally extending control arm, a bush eye clamp, and a hanger bracket. The control arm has a bush end, a mid-region, an axle mount formed opposite of the bush end. A bush, having an integral bar pin molded laterally therethrough, is inserted in the bush eye and retained therein. The hanger bracket is attached to, and depends from, the chassis and includes two spaced-apart, downward oriented flanges between which the bush eye clamp is positioned. The bush end is pivotally attached to the hanger by fastening the bar pin ends directly to each adjacent hanger flange.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for vehicles. The invention relates to both double axle vehicles and single axle vehicles. Feasible areas of use are: prams, carts (pulled manually or by a vehicle), walkers, wheel chairs, skateboards, luggage carts and motor vehicles. It is significant for the wheel suspension that the centre axles (15a, 15b) of wheels (11a, 11b) of a set of wheels are connected to elements (14a, 14b) that extend in the travelling direction of the vehicle, that these elements (14a, 14b) are hingedly/pivotally connected to a frame (1?) of the vehicle, that the centre axles (15a, 15b) for adjacent wheels (11a, 11b) are located at a certain distance from each other in the longitudinal direction/travelling direction (2) of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.

Abstract: A suspension trailing arm suspends a vehicle chassis from a beam type axle. The trailing arm includes a chassis mounting feature, an axle mounting feature, and an arm portion intermediate the chassis mounting feature and the axle mounting feature. The arm portion has a generally X-section profile with four limbs.

Abstract: A hollow vehicle suspension beam has opposed side walls formed with recesses in which an axle wrap is located and secured by welded jointing internally and externally of the opposed side walls to provide a strong joint between the beam and axle wrap. The beam may comprise at least one component of a generally U-shaped section the opposed limbs of which provide at least part of the opposed side walls of the beam, and the mouth of the section provides an access opening into the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing to be made at the axle wrap. One embodiment has the beam comprised of two of the U-shaped components disposed with their mouths opening in opposite directions to provide access to the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing to be made at the axle wrap before the mouths are closed by closure components.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a wheeled vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame, includes an integral arm structure that includes an attachment member for connecting the integral arm structure to the vehicle frame. A flexible transition member is connected to and extends from the attachment member and a body is connected to and extends from the transition member The flexible transition member may be generally curved or angular and enables pivotal movement of the integral arm structure and cooperates with the body to distribute forces encountered by the axle/suspension system The body may be a truss structure or a solid body, which may include a member that replaces a conventional axle tube.

Abstract: A trailer suspension subassembly includes an extruded aluminum mounting plate. An extruded aluminum hanger is connected to a lower face of the mounting plate. The hanger includes a trailing arm channel and a shock absorber channel. The mounting plate includes an open channel adapted to receive a trailer beam flange and a platform adjacent the open channel. The subassembly can be incorporated into a suspension assembly including a first and second hangers connected to first and second mounting plates which are connected to the lower flanges of first and second trailer beams. One or more cross plates extend between the trailer beams and are connected to the first and second mounting plates. Thee suspension assembly includes trailing arms that are optionally defined from aluminum, e.g., two or more aluminum extrusions that are interconnected by welding.

Abstract: A steering axle for a vehicle has a spring-mounted, rigid axle body which is disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and at the ends of which steerable wheels are pin-connected. A transmission device is provided for transferring steering motions of a steering member to the steerable wheels. A controlling and/or regulating device detects spring deflection of the rigid axle body and provides a signal for correcting the transfer of the nominal value of the steering angle inputted at the steering member to the steerable wheels, is supplied to a superimposing device in the transmission device as a function of the spring deflection.

Abstract: A trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle combination includes a device for leveling the trailer floor. A selected one of a pair of fame brackets or hangers for pivotally mounting suspension assemblies of an axle/suspension system, includes vertically-oriented oval sidewall openings and vertically-spaced horizontally extending eccentric collar guide tabs.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, a front axle, and a four bar linkage connecting the front axle to the frame. The four bar linkage may define a range of motion of the front axle with respect to the frame. First and second dampers may connect the frame to the front axle over the entire range of motion of the front axle. Third and forth dampers may connect to one of the frame and front axle and engage the other substantially exclusively through a substantial portion of the range of motion of the front axle less than the entirety thereof. So configured, the vehicle may be a hybrid performing well in both high speed travel and low speed, rock-crawling travel.

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: Disclosed is an automatic fitting device for assembling a vehicular part. If a spring-forced automatic fitting device is inserted into a bush of a trailing arm of a chassis and the trailing arm is inserted into a vehicular frame in the state in which buttons provided in the automatic fitting device are pushed, the vehicular frame and the chassis are provisionally assembled with each other as the buttons are projected through bolting holes, thereby enabling the automatization of assembling operation and reducing the working hours. In addition, because it is unnecessary to separately manufacture a conventional chassis bracket, the manufacturing costs can be saved.

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: A rear suspension system includes a plurality of trailing arms, a beam defining a space therein, and a plurality of reinforcing members, each with a first end connected to a respective one of the trailing arms and a second end contacting an interior surface of the beam. The second end of each reinforcing member is branched into two portions with a rod disposed between them. Each reinforcing member has at least one and preferably two curved portions, one near each end, both curved along the beam axis such that the second end of the reinforcing member is parallel with the rod.

Abstract: A suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds.

Abstract: A trailing beam suspension includes a mechanical adjustment mechanism for aligning the axle and wheels of a vehicle. The trailing beam is mounted to the vehicle frame by a pivot bolt passing through a hanger bracket and a conventional bushed connection. Opposing sides of the hanger bracket contain aligned curved apertures that receive the pivot bolt. The pivot bolt passes through pivot arms which are pivotally connected to the sides of the hanger bracket. The pivot arms are connected to a yoke to which an adjustment shaft is attached. Movement of the adjustment shaft moves the yoke fore and aft. The movement of the yoke pivots the pivot arms, thus moving the pivot bolt in a fore-and aft-direction. When the trailing beam has been aligned, the pivot connection is tightened, thus securing the trailing beam, axle, and wheels in the desired alignment.

Abstract: An axial-direction intermediate portion (21) of a torsion beam is pressed so as to have a substantially V-shape cross section. The axial direction intermediate portion (21) includes an outer wall (21a) and an inner wall (21b). Plural protrusions (21a1) (convex portions) formed on the outer wall (21a) are in contact with the inner wall (21b). The plural protrusions (21a1) are arranged at predetermined intervals on one straight line along an axial direction of the torsion beam. An inter-wall space (21c) having a width equivalent to a height of the protrusions (21a1) is formed between the outer wall (21a) and the inner wall (21b). The width of the inter-wall space (21c) is set to a predetermined value, considering torsional rigidity and a shear center position of the torsion beam.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a vehicle is provided and includes a torque arm that is pivotally connected to a lever arm. The lever arm is connected to a vehicle frame via a pivotal shackle. An air spring is disposed along the lever arm and extends between the vehicle frame and the lever arm.

Abstract: A control arm assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a control arm having a triangular shape for connection to vehicle structure and a beam axle of the vehicle. The control arm assembly also includes a plurality of bushings connected to the control arm and for connection to the vehicle structure and the beam axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hollow vehicle suspension beam (1) has opposed side walls formed with recesses (11) in which an axle wrap (2) is located and secured by welded jointing (12, 13) internally and externally of the opposed side walls to provide a strong joint between the beam and axle wrap. The beam may comprise at least one component (5, 6) of a generally U-shaped section the opposed limbs of which provide at least part of the opposed side walls of the beam, and the mouth of the section provides an access opening into the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing (12) to be made at the axle wrap. One embodiment has the beam comprised of two of the U-shaped components (5, 6) disposed with their mouths opening in opposite directions to provide access to the interior of the beam for the internal welded jointing to be made at the axle wrap (2) before the mouths are closed by closure components (15, 16).

Abstract: A progressive rear suspension linkage is used in the rear suspension of an ATV to aid in ride quality and safety by changing leverage ratio thru the travel of the rear suspension. The rear shock attaches to it as well as to the frame. The linkage system attaches to the frame at one end and to the rear suspension arm at the other end and changes leverage as the mounting point on the frame and the rear suspension arm come closer together or further apart as the rear suspension arms moves thru its travel. This in turn lets some linkages move in a scissors type movement with the rear shock bolted to it at a given point. This invention provides an improvement to the OEM designs, making for improved handling and safer control of ATVs.

Abstract: A suspension (14) for coupling a steer axle assembly (12) to a vehicle frame (10) is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly, increased roll stability for the vehicle and a reduction in axle wind-up during brakingcall without interfering with vertical displacement of the axle assembly. The suspension includes leaf springs (44) disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle, each of which is coupled to the vehicle frame at first and second ends (64, 66) and to an axle beam (28) intermediate the first and second ends. The suspension also includes first and second arms (50, 150), each of which is pivotally coupled to the axle beam at a first end (70, 170) and to the vehicle frame at a second end (68, 168) proximate one of the ends of a corresponding leaf spring. The suspension may further include a torsion bar (52) extending between and coupled to the first and second arms.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart main members extending longitudinally relative to the tractor-trailer, at least one cross member extending between and being attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism for selectively securing the position of the subframe relative to a body of the tractor-trailer. At least one of the main members includes at least one opening for receiving a pin of the retractable pin mechanism. The main member opening is formed in a shape, such as a D-shape, which reduces or minimizes distortion of the main member adjacent the top of the opening that is associated with forming of the main member.

Abstract: A swing arm with impact dampener, includes a swing arm having a pivoting coupling end and a non-pivoting coupling end. An impact dampening assembly is positioned at the non-pivoting coupling end.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting fore-and aft extending frame members of a vehicle chassis on a hollow axle, the system on one side of the vehicle being duplicated on the opposite side. Included in the suspension on each side are: (1) a frame bracket for pivotally supporting the fore or leading end of an asymmetric leaf spring; (2) a spring end support mounted on the frame side member for supporting the aft or trailing end of the leaf spring, and (3) a suitable assembly for attaching the leaf spring at a location intermediate its opposite ends to the axle so that the spring is divided into two cantilever limbs extending in opposite directions from the center line of the axle. The spring is formed so that one of the cantilever limbs has a stiffness substantially greater than the stiffness of the other limb. In all forms, at least one leaf of the asymmetric spring extends the full length of the spring.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chair frame, two suspension arms, two clutches, two drive wheels, two shock absorbers, and two limiting units. The chair frame includes two lateral frame parts. Each of the suspension arms is connected pivotally to the chair frame adjacent to a respective lateral frame part. Each of the clutches is mounted on a respective suspension arm. Each of the drive wheels is coupled to a respective clutch. Each of the shock absorbers is mounted between a respective lateral frame part and a respective suspension arm. Each of the limiting units includes a mounting seat mounted on a respective lateral frame part and formed with a guide slot unit therethrough, and a connecting component that extends through the guide slot unit and that mounts movably a respective suspension arm on the mounting seat.

Abstract: A suspension system for wheeled vehicles, particularly trailers, that is mounted underneath the vehicle frame and forward of the axle (in case of a single axle suspension) and both forward and rearward of axles (in case of a tandem axle suspension). The suspension system at each side of the vehicle frame comprises a hanger, a control arm and an elastomer spring. The hanger has a support bracket and a hanger channel and is the frame bracket connecting the suspension to the vehicle frame. The elastomer spring biases the control arm and the hanger and therefore isolates the vibration of the suspended portion of the vehicle (the sprung mass) from that of the axle(s) and wheels (the unsprung mass).

Abstract: A front suspension for a tractor has an axle that is pivotally coupled to an axle carrier to pivot about a substantially longitudinal axis. The axle carrier, in turn, is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle to pivot about a generally vertical axis. The front end of the axle carrier is supported by a counter frame that prevents the axle carrier from twisting about a longitudinal axis. The counter frame is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor to pivot about a generally lateral and horizontal axis. Both the axle carrier and the counter frame are constrained to pivot about the common horizontal and lateral axis with respect to the chassis of the tractor. Springs are coupled between the counter frame and the chassis of the tractor to control the pivoting of the counter frame with respect to the tractor and provide shock absorbing for the front suspension.

Abstract: A system is provided for use on large vehicles of the type wherein the vehicle frame is supported on vehicle axle assemblies through air bags, and each air bag has a lower end coupled to the lower end of an arm such as a swing arm whose upper end is pivotally mounted on the frame. The height of the air bag is sensed by a pair of tilt sensors, sensing tilt of its location with respect to gravity, and the difference in tilt indicates air bag height. The output of the tilt sensors may be filtered, and a motion detector allows rapid filling or dumping of air bags independent of filtering of tilt sensor signals. Control of the vehicle air suspension can also be based upon inputs from one or more air bag pressure sensors.

Abstract: A model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a vehicle chassis, a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force, the dampers having an elongated shape, wherein the dampers are mounted on the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis and at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member being mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel. A coupling mechanism for transmitting suspension forces from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel is also provided, the coupling mechanism being configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel.

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: 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: An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame, is attached to the vehicle frame via a pair of hangers, and includes an axle and a pair of suspension assemblies. Each of the suspension assemblies includes an air spring and at least one spring member. The spring member includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is generally rigidly connected to the hanger via a clamped connection, and the second attachment portion is operatively connected to the axle. The spring member, connected in this manner, reduces or eliminates dock walk when a cargo transfer vehicle enters the heavy-duty vehicle, and also reduces or eliminates rebound when the cargo transfer vehicle exits the vehicle. The spring member is also capable of being tuned to a predetermined stiffness that is sufficient to control heavy-duty vehicle roll forces.

Abstract: A chassis is described which is constructed of two lower side frames which at each end are provided with a wheel or caterpillar track. On each of the two lower side members, there is a horizontal bearing. Each of these bearings are connected to an upper vertical side member which at their upper end is connected to two parallel cross members through horizontal bearings for the development of a parallelogram connection. Between the lower and upper side members, there are two double-acting hydraulic cylinders. These can be connected in parallel in order to make a weight distribution possible. By means of a regulation valve between pressure side and suction side, respectively, on the double-acting hydraulic cylinders the upper part of the chassis can swing back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the side members.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, in which the vehicle includes a frame that extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. The axle/suspension system is attached to the vehicle frame via at least one hanger and includes at least one beam, which includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the beam is connected to the hanger, and the second end of the beam immovably captures an axle, which extends in a transverse direction relative to the vehicle. The beam is formed of a composite material and has a substantially constant cross section in the transverse direction to provide sufficient strength to control roll forces encountered by the vehicle during operation.

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 that extend 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 that has a first frame member extending longitudinally on one side of the chassis and a second frame member extending longitudinally on the opposite side of the chassis. 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. In addition to the wishbone-shaped linkage, the suspension system includes first and second air springs connected to first and second frame members respectively and to the axle.

Abstract: Provided are wedging and clamping mechanisms for securing an axle to a suspension member. The suspension member has a integral axle shell for seating the axle to be attached. An axle wedging shell is provided which mates to the axle shell via aligning angled grooves and flanges which, as the flanges are forced into the grooves, creates a significant clamping force trapping the axle in place. The orientation and placement of angled grooves and flanges varies through several embodiments. Some embodiments alternately use a retention plate. Adhesive may be applied to the axle and the inner surfaces of the axle shell and wedge member to limit axle twist or rotation.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for establishing a caster angle of a vehicle suspension system. The apparatus includes two air reservoirs, each reservoir having an extendable piston rod. The air reservoirs are juxtaposed, and are pivotally connected to a single bell crank. In particular, the bell crank is pivotally connected to each piston rod, and to a control arm of the vehicle suspension system for establishing the caster angle. Concerted pressurizing and exhausting of the air reservoirs extends and retracts the piston rods, causing the bell crank to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank induces movement of the control arm which translates into a rotation of an axle to a desired caster angle. In one embodiment, one air reservoir is a multi-chamber reservoir capable of doubling the force used to extend the piston rod, rotate the bell crank and adjust the caster angle.

Abstract: An integrated rear suspension assembly is fixedly secured to a transmission case, rear wheel carriers and frame rails of a motor vehicle. The integrated rear suspension assembly includes a plurality of trailing arms having first and second ends. Each of the first ends is secured to one of the frame rails and each of the second ends is secured to each of the rear wheel carriers. A plurality of control arms is pivotally secured to each of the plurality of trailing arms for controlling the plurality of trailing arms. A compound link member having opposing ends is attached to each of the plurality of trailing arms. The integrated rear suspension assembly also includes a transmission cross member that is fixedly secured to each of the frame rails.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a pair of trailing arms. Each of the trailing arms has a body portion with a pivot at a forward portion thereof for pivotably mounting the trailing arms to a vehicle frame. Each trailing arm further includes a rear portion integrally formed with the body portion. Each rear portion has an integral, inwardly extending axle-attachment portion, and an integral, outwardly-extending spindle portion. The vehicle suspension system further includes an elongated center axle member having opposite ends rigidly connected to the axle-attachment portions of the trailing arms and interconnecting the trailing arms.

Abstract: A method for making a vehicle suspension assembly includes forming a beam having a forward end defining a pivot, and a rearward end having an axle-receiving opening therethrough defined by a surface. At least a portion of the surface is generally cylindrical, and the surface defines a first diameter when the beam is at a first temperature. The method further includes providing an axle defining an axis and having a generally cylindrical outer surface portion defining a second diameter when the axle is at the first temperature, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The method further includes raising the temperature of the beam to expand the axle-receiving opening. The axle is then inserted into the axle-receiving opening while the opening is expanded due to the elevated temperature. The temperature of the beam is then lowered to provide a tight interference fit between the beam and the axle member.

Abstract: A parallelogram suspension assembly for a vehicle with a brake port through the axle seat for positioning of brake components to maximize overall suspension clearance.

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 wheel suspension system including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotal between an uppermost and a lowermost position. The wheel support is biased to a position intermediate of the uppermost and lowermost positions by a spring. The spring urges apart a spring support of the wheel support from the vehicle frame, the spring support being below the rotational axis of the wheel. The pivotal axes of the pivotal attachments are located below the rotational axis of the wheel.

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.