Abstract: A lower arm mounting unit for a multi-link suspension system having a knuckle rotatably supporting a wheel, and first and second lower arms connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body, may include a pair of mounting protrusions formed to the knuckle, a first ball stud connecting an end portion of the first lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions, and a second ball stud connecting an end portion of the second lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions and the first ball stud by inserting the end portion of the second ball stud between the pair of the mounting protrusions, the end portion of the first ball stud, and the knuckle.

Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first steering knuckle having a first wheel rotatably mounted thereto, a first swing mechanism for enabling displacement of the first steering knuckle along a first arced path and a first guiding mechanism for pivoting the first steering knuckle when the first steering knuckle is displaced along the first arced path in order to maintain the first wheel oriented tangentially relative to the first arced path. The first arced path is concave relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced from the first frame member, away from a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, by a distance sufficient to prevent the first wheel from contacting the first frame member when the first steering knuckle is pivoted. There is further provided a method of operating the steering assembly.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering device, extendable portions whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a compressing direction and whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a stretching direction are asymmetrical are disposed in a symmetric fashion at intermediate sections of tie rods. Thus, an effective steering gear ratio with respect to leftward and rightward steering can be properly changed in accordance with a vehicle speed by using a simple configuration that does not use a complex mechanism having a motor. In this case, a steering gear ratio can be mainly changed for one of the wheels, while a linear lateral force corresponding to steering can be generated at the other wheel. Moreover, since the steering gear ratio can be changed mechanically without performing motor control, the occurrence of control delay can be prevented, thereby reliably preventing deterioration of the driver's operational feel.

Abstract: An assembly is provided comprising a twin I-beam front suspension system and a parallelogram steering linkage operatively coupled to the suspension system. A vehicle incorporating the assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.

Abstract: A steel tie rod end includes a shaft portion and first and second fitting portions. A minimum area portion having a small radially cross-sectional area is provided for the shaft portion, and 90% or above of a steel structure of the minimum area portion is formed of martensite or tempered martensite. The surface hardness of the minimum area portion and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the minimum area portion are 600 Hv or below, and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the first fitting portion and the average hardness of the radial cross section of the second fitting portion are 300 Hv or below. A method of manufacturing a steel tie rod end includes a quenching process of heating only a prospective shaft portion by high frequency to an austenitizing temperature and then rapidly cooling the prospective shaft portion by water or cooling medium.

Abstract: A plastic rocker pendulum is provided with a rod-shaped basic body (1) and mounting elements (2, 3) arranged at the free ends of the basic body (1) for the ball heads of ball pins. The cross section of the basic body (1) has an essentially S-shaped design with at least three crossbars (5, 6, 7) arranged in parallel at spaced locations from one another and connection webs (8, 9) coupling two adjacent crossbars (5, 6, 7) each. The connection webs (8, 9) are arranged at opposite end areas of the crossbars (5, 6, 7). The geometrical moment of inertia can be substantially increased compared to conventional cross sections due to this cross section shape.

Abstract: Tie rod for the wheel suspension of a vehicle with a tie rod and at least one bearing bushing arranged in the tie rod, wherein the bearing bushing can be connected with the wheel suspension. The bearing bushing is provided with a support element which has an end region spaced from the bearing bushing that is supported on the tie rod.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower includes a rear axle having end sections which are adjustable to vary the tread width of caster-mounted rear wheels having upright spindles mounted for swiveling within cylindrical receptacles defining outer ends of the axle end sections. Front wheels of the windrower are steerable and a steering assist is provided including right and left steering cylinders having barrels respectively mounted to right and left reaction arms by a mounting permitting the cylinder to pivot vertically and horizontally, with the rods being coupled to respective steering arms fixed to the top of the spindles. In a first embodiment, right and left brackets are respectively fixed to forward surfaces of opposite end regions of a tubular center section of the rear axle in which the axle end sections are received for telescopic adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering apparatus. According to a self-steering apparatus of the present invention, an angle of wheels becomes tilted automatically depending on a slope of a frame in applications for forward two-wheeled vehicle or backward two-wheeled steering apparatus of bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, and so forth. At the same time, a steering angle is also matched to the tilted direction.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod includes an apex joint assembly which includes a cast apex joint housing. A pair of solid rods are threadingly received by the cast apex joint housing and an end joint assembly is attached to the end of each solid rod. A retention system in the form of a clamp or jamb nut secure the solid rods to the cast apex joint housing. A length adjustment mechanism can be incorporated between the solid rods and the end joint assemblies if necessary.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly includes a composite tie rod shaft having a first end and a second end, a first clevis carried by the first end of the tie rod shaft, a clevis adjustment collar carried by the second end of the tie rod shaft and a second clevis carried by and adjustable along the clevis adjustment collar. A method of connecting a fitting to a shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rear steer mower having a front steering assembly is provided. The front steering assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a pair of toed out negatively castered front wheels and a linking element configured to receive rotational input from the steering wheel to the pair of front wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, front wheels each having an axis of rotation, and a suspension assembly for connecting the front wheels to the chassis. The suspension assembly is adapted to allow the front wheels to move transverse to their axes of rotation, but in opposite directions, in order to tilt the chassis. The suspension assembly includes a wheel orientation defining rod coupled to at least one of the front wheels, and a unit for pivotably coupling the wheel orientation defining rod to the chassis. The coupling unit ensures that a wheel orientation of the front wheel defined by the wheel orientation defining rod is essentially independent of movement of the front wheel transverse to the axis of rotation thereof.

Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a vehicle body-side member (90). The vehicle body-side member (90) is coupled with a vehicle body at least two coupling portions (92a, 92b, 92c), one of which is positioned above a wheel center and the other of which is positioned below the wheel center, via respective elastic members (96a, 96b, 96c). The elastic member (96b) arranged at the upper coupling portion (92b) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends upward and toward an inside of a vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle. The elastic member (96a, 96c) arranged at the lower coupling portion (92a, 92c) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends downward and toward the inside of the vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A blank for an axle beam intended to support a wheel axle is formed from a continuous piece and, at its respective ends, has, on the one hand, a bushing constituting a bearing for a kingpin for supporting a wheel spindle and, on the other hand, lug-shaped protrusions on each side of the bushing, and a wheel axle made from such a blank. The invention can provide a blank which is suitable both for steerable and non-steerable wheel axles for vehicles.

Abstract: Steering mechanism for orienting the steered wheels (1) of a short vehicle with respect to the chassis, comprising one first vertical axis (2) per steered wheel, allowing each steered wheel (1) to pivot with respect to said chassis and a link (5) allowing a torque to be applied to each steered wheel to make it pivot around said first vertical axis. The inner end of the link is able to slide along a straight rail (11) which in turn is rotatably mounted with respect to the chassis. A second link (6) not parallel to the wheels forces the first link (5) to slide in a defined manner along a rail (11). This makes possible the differentiated orientation of the left and right wheels. Advantage: very small turning radius. Particularly applicable to electric chairs for the disabled.

Abstract: A rear steer mower having a front steering assembly is provided. The front steering assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a pair of toed out negatively castered front wheels and a linking element configured to receive rotational input from the steering wheel to the pair of front wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission mechanism (20) of a progressive gear (1), especially a steering gear for a vehicle, comprising a seating for each of an input shaft (10) and an output shaft (30). The transmission mechanism (20) according to the invention consists of a movable coupler (21) which is in articulated connection with the input shaft (10) and the output shaft (30) so that transmission from the input shaft (10) to the output shaft (30) with a progressive characteristic is achieved in the range ?180° to +180°. The advantage of such a gear (1) lies in the simple and therefore economical production of the apparatus and in its low space requirement. The absence of play in the mechanism and the direct transmission of forces by virtue of the individual components having suitable angles with respect to one another are further advantages.

Abstract: An axle pivot steering device (4) of a vehicle having first lever elements (8A—1, 8B—1), which are respectively operatively connected, via a second lever element (8A—2, 8B—2), with a wheel carrier (10A, 10B). The first lever elements (8A—1, 8B—1) and the second lever elements (8A—2, 8B—2) are connected with third lever elements (13A, 13B), in an articulated manner, at fixed rotational points (14A, 14B). At least two of the lever elements (8A—1, 8A—2, 13A) are designed to be fork-shaped and be inter-coupled, in an area of the rotational points (14A, 14B), by a bearing bolt (15) such that the bearing torques resulting from the bearing forces acting on the bearing bolt (15) are at least approximately zero.

Abstract: Automobile steering linkage systems and methods are provided in the various embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention can be used in heavy-duty automobiles for steering linkage toe-adjustment systems, and other embodiments can be utilized in other automobiles. An automobile steering linkage system can comprise a first rod and a unitary second rod. The first rod can be coupled between a first point and a first wheel, and the length of the first rod can be altered. The second rod can be coupled to the first wheel and a second wheel, and an eccentric ball stud can couple the second rod to the second wheel to alter the distance between the first wheel and the second wheel thus providing an automobile toe-adjustment system. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: Two versions of recumbent human powered three wheeled vehicles are disclosed. Both are of the tadpole type with two front wheels and one rear drive wheel. Both versions lean into turns causing weight transfer toward the inside of turns to prevent rollover during turns at speed.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly includes a composite tie rod shaft having a first end and a second end, a first clevis carried by the first end of the tie rod shaft, a clevis adjustment collar carried by the second end of the tie rod shaft and a second clevis carried by and adjustable along the clevis adjustment collar. A method of connecting a fitting to a shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly adapted to steer a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle steering linkage assembly comprising a first tie rod element having a first end operatively connected to a first wheel of the vehicle and a second end. A second tie rod element has a first end operatively connected to a second wheel of the vehicle and a second end. A tubular portion extends between the first and second tie rod elements, and has a first end that is operatively connected to the second end of the first tie rod element. A second end is operatively connected to the second end of the second tie rod element. The first end of the tubular portion defines a first end centerline and the second end of the tubular portion defines a second end centerline. The tubular portion includes a contoured section preferably adjacent to the tubular portion second end.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a suspension for a wheel on a motor vehicle. The wheel suspension includes a stub axle (36, 37) connected to a stub axle carrier (34, 35), a suspension arm (18, 19) which connects the stub axle carrier to the vehicle, and a stabilizer bar (9) fixed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The suspension arm (18, 19) is fixed against rotation to an outer end (14, 15) of the stabilizer bar and rotatably attached in at least one position (22, 23) axially separated from the outer end of the stabilizer bar. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such an arrangement.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided that allows for the vehicle body to be tilted wherein the tilt is controlled by the operator's legs in a manner that greatly enhances the stability of the vehicle while producing a fun vehicle to operate. Generally a hub is provided for use ad the vertical members in a four-bar suspension linkage that includes an inboard side and an outboard side such that the tilting pivots are positioned inboard and the steering pivots are positioned outboard. This arrangement allows for the optimum placement of the pivot axis for steering as close to the wheel as possible, even directly within the rim of the wheel, while the pivot point of the suspension linkage is optimally positioned a few inches inboard relative to the wheels thereby increasing the lever arm used to control the relative tilt of the wheel.

Abstract: A stabilizer link or tie rod is provided with a ball and stud and with a housing with an outer surface and with an interior surface defining a ball cavity. The housing is connected with a link rod. A race insert is provided having a housing liner surface engaging the housing interior surface and an interior ball race surface in contact with the ball and a housing end portion defining a closure interface with the housing. A protective cap is provided with a barrier surface extending over the closure interface and over the housing outer surface. The cap has a retaining surface engaging each of the housing and the rod.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a body supported on at least two sets of steerable wheels, generally consisting of a steering shaft provided with a wheel, supported on such body; a torque transmitting main shaft supported longitudinally on the body; means operatively interconnecting the steering shaft and the main shaft for transmitting rotary motion of the steering shaft to rotary motion of the main shaft; a first transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of one of the sets of steerable wheels; means operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the first transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaft to linear motion of the first transversely displaceable means; second transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of the other of the sets of steerable wheels; and means operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the second transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main sha

Abstract: A device provides additional support for the pivot stud of a pitman arm and/or idler arm in center link steering systems by capturing the pivot stud and inhibiting lateral motion of the pivot stud. The device may comprise a separate bracket member attached as a separate unit from the pitman arm or idler arm. Alternatively, the device may comprise an integrated member of the pitman arm or idler arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining and stress transmitting element for suspension and steering mechanisms in automotive vehicles comprising: a central portion (1) in the form of a bar having a first end and a second end; a first end portion (2) at the first end such that the central portion (1) and the first end portion (2) form a single-piece joining element from a light material providing mechanical strength. The first end portion (2) forms a perform (1A) of a casing (1C) of a connecting device, said perform (1A) being configured so that a definite shape of the casing (1C) is defined by means of a forming operation on said preform (1A).

Abstract: A knuckle arm includes a body having a bearing hole. A first connection plate extends from a rear end of one of two sides thereof so as to be connected with a brake pump. Two protrusions extend from a front end of the body, and two second connection plates are connected to the two protrusions such that a pull rod is removably connected to either of the two second connection plates. Two connection boards extend from two ends of the front end of the body, with each connection board having a hole for receiving joints of the upper and lower control arms. The knuckle arm can be used for right and left wheels, and the length of the pull rod can be optionally connected thereto.

Abstract: There is disclosed a steering apparatus for a vehicle in which a steering power of a steering shaft is assisted by a column-assist type electric power steering apparatus so that the steering power is transmitted to steer the wheels by means of a steering mechanism, in which a telescopic shaft with a male shaft and a female shaft fitted to each other to be mutually unrotatable and slidable is interposed between an output shaft of said column-assist type electric power steering apparatus and an input shaft of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: The invention contemplates steering damper to drag link attachment clamp and method. A vehicle steering linkage has a steering damper including a drag link attachment joint, and a mounting bolt operatively engaging the drag link attachment joint. A drag link assembly has a main drag link socket assembly including a main rod portion; a clamp includes a main body and a pair of legs extending therefrom, with the main body defining a rod receiving bore within which is mounted the main rod portion of the drag link socket assembly, and the legs each include a bolt hole through which the mounting bolt extends; and a weld securing the main body of the clamp to the main rod portion. A nut engages the bolt such that the legs are pulled closer together, causing the main body to apply a clamping load to the main rod portion.

Abstract: A system of linkages for a beam-type straight axle drive arrangement which accurately control the vehicle steering as well as axle location throughout its full range of suspension compression. This system can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles as a “bolt-on” retrofit kit, thereby dramatically improving the handling characteristics of such vehicles.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a wheel support member and a linear support mechanism including members supported on the vehicle body, and supporting pivot point of the wheel support member. The steering apparatus further includes a first arm member, and a steering mechanism that includes a tie rod linked to the wheel support member, and rotates the wheel support member around the swinging pivot point in association with the movement of the tie rod during steering. The first arm member, via the linear support mechanism, causes the swinging pivot point to move, linked to the movement of the tie rod, linearly or approximately linearly, outward in the vehicle widthwise direction.

Abstract: In a high-mounted double wishbone suspension device, an arm portion extending upward from a knuckle main body portion, through which an axle runs, is provided with a tie rod connection portion. A tie rod for turning a wheel is connected to the tie rod connection portion. The distance between the axle and the tie rod connection portion is increased to effectively suppress knuckle lateral vibration centered on the axle by the tie rod. Therefore, it is possible to reduce road noise without increasing the number of components or the weight. In particular, since the tie rod is connected to a joint provided on a lower face of the tie rod connection portion, it is possible to minimize vertical positional change of the tie rod, while suppressing lateral vibration of the knuckle by raising the position of the tie rod connection portion, whereby the arrangement can be easily applied to a conventional vehicle merely by replacing the knuckle alone.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle and a method of connecting a steering column to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a body and a plurality of wheels. The vehicle also includes a steering assembly configured to steer at least one steerable wheel. The steering assembly includes at least a steering mechanism, a steering column, and a linkage mechanism. The steering mechanism receives steering inputs from a child steering the vehicle. The steering column is coupled to the steering mechanism and includes a proximal portion and a shoulder extending transversely from the proximal portion. The linkage mechanism couples the steering column to the steerable wheel. The linkage mechanism includes a receiver structure configured to receive the steering column. The retainer mechanism may be configured to engage the shoulder so that movement of the steering column generally opposing the direction is restricted. Methods of connecting the steering column to the vehicle also are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable torque rod comprising includes an adjusting sleeve, a housing and a rod. The adjusting sleeve includes a center surface, a first end and a second end. The housing has a receiving end that is rotatably connected to the second end of said adjusting sleeve. An attachment end of the housing, opposite the receiving end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the housing to a vehicle. A clamp is positioned proximate the receiving end for fixing the adjusting sleeve into a position in the receiving end of the housing. The rod has an adjustment end and a mounting end. The adjustment end is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting sleeve. The mounting end, opposite the adjustment end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the rod to a vehicle. The torque rod is extended and retracted by rotation of the adjusting sleeve.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly (20) includes a first one-piece sleeve (30) having first and second axial ends (32, 34). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) has an internally threaded portion (35) which threadably engages a first threaded part (120). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) includes an integrally formed clamp (38) which clamps the first axial end (32) to the first threaded part (120). A second one-piece sleeve (60) has first and second axial ends (62, 64). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) has an internally threaded portion (65) which threadably engages a second threaded part (122). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) includes an integrally formed clamp (68) which clamps the first axial end (62) to the second threaded part (122). A connector member (90) interconnects the first and second sleeves(30, 60).

Abstract: An independent strut suspension utilizes upright twin spindles and a spindle cap linked to the spindles that translates vertically along the spindles as the suspension moves over uneven terrain. An upright strut shaft is mounted in a strut journal for axial and rotational movement with respect to the journal. A steering arm is connected for rotation about the strut shaft axis, and the strut shaft moves axially with respect to the steering arm as the frame moves over the uneven terrain. The upright spindles connect the steering arm and the upper mount, and a spring is supported between the upper end of the strut shaft and the upper mount and provides cushioning for the wheel support as the strut shaft moves axially in the journal.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is mainly comprised of an upper and a lower axle seat, in which the upper axle seat and the lower axle seat are provided for receiving an upper axle and a lower axle respectively. The upper and the lower seats are combined together by pivotally jointing each other with a respective inverted U-shaped and a U-shaped pivot-joint ends, where a universal joint having two ends thereof coupled with the upper and the lower axles is arranged in a space enclosed by the pivot-joint ends, so that a diversion may be made by taking the upper axle as a rotation center irrespective of the forward rake or backward rake of the upper axle seat.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for vehicles includes a connector for connecting a tie rod to a knuckle body via a ball joint is freely attached to and detached from the knuckle body. In the case of changing a ball joint point at a terminal end of the tie rod, only the connector is separately developed and then mounted on the knuckle instead of developing a new knuckle structure, thereby reducing fabrication cost as well as improving workability.

Abstract: A steering suspension system utilizing a flexible push/pull cable attached from an operator input mechanism across a suspension system to a wheel steering mechanism. An operator input mechanism is located within a land vehicle structure supported by a wheel. A suspension system connects the wheel to the land vehicle structure and a wheel steering mechanism is used to connect the wheel to the suspension system. The flexible cable connection minimizes the complexity in number of parts for the steering system while providing a flexible connection to the wheel steering mechanism allowing free suspension movement with minimal or negligible affects provided from the steering linkage.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for lowering the front end of an automobile. The devices, methods, and systems of the present invention can find use in any variety of automobiles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars, and the like. The invention can be employed regardless of the type of suspension system in the automobile, and allows the vehicle to be lowered while retaining a maximum amount of travel. This is accomplished with a drop spindle having certain features such as a tap opening and a countersunk opening on the underside of the lower ball joint boss.

Abstract: A front-wheel suspension system comprises a steering gear frame, a control arm mounting connector, a lower control arm, a wheel carrier, and a damping device. The steering gear frame includes a front fixing plate and a rear fixing plate integrally formed on a front side and a rear side of a power cylinder and is coupled to a vehicle body. The control arm mounting connector is fixed in a longitudinal direction under the fixing plate. The lower control arm is provided with a vehicle body side connecting member coupled to both ends of the control arm mounting connector. The wheel carrier couples to a wheel side end portion of the lower control arm, rotatably supports a wheel, and is connected to a tie rod extended from the power cylinder. A damping device absorbs vertical vibration of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for lowering the front end of an automobile. The devices, methods, and systems of the present invention can find use in any variety of automobiles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars, and the like. The invention can be employed regardless of the type of suspension system in the automobile, and allows the vehicle to be lowered while retaining a maximum amount of travel. This is accomplished with a drop spindle having certain features such as a tap opening and a countersunk opening on the underside of the lower ball joint boss.