Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A strut assembly includes a damper having a housing and a rod moveable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis. The strut assembly includes a flexible membrane configured to receive a pressurized gas to form an air spring. A coil spring defines an inner diameter with the housing disposed within the inner diameter to permit relative movement between the coil spring and the housing. The coil spring is at least partially disposed outside the flexible membrane relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20).

Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle comprising a stationary spindle and a rotatable axle shaft. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle. Adjacent inner and outer wheel hubs are supported on the intermediate hub. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs for driving both of the wheel hubs and for permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs. At least one differential bushing is disposed between the differential mechanism and the intermediate hub. A gear reduction system interconnects the intermediate hub and the axle shaft for providing torque multiplication. A wet disc brake device is coupled between the spindle and the intermediate hub.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle comprising a stationary spindle and a rotatable axle shaft. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle. Adjacent inner and outer wheel hubs are supported on the intermediate hub. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs for driving both of the wheel hubs and for permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs. At least one differential bushing is disposed between the differential mechanism and the intermediate hub. A gear reduction system interconnects the intermediate hub and the axle shaft for providing torque multiplication. A wet disc brake device is coupled between the spindle and the intermediate hub.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20).

Abstract: The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20).

Abstract: The subject invention provides an independent wheel suspension system (20) for a vehicle. The suspension system (20) includes an lateral support (26) and a pair of lower lateral links (30, 32) spaced from the lateral support (26). A tall knuckle (36) extends between the lateral support (26) and the pair of lower lateral links (30, 32). The lateral support (26) and the pair of lateral links (30, 32) are pivotably connected to the knuckle (36). A rod (64) is pivotably connected to the knuckle (36) adjacent the pivotal connection between the lateral support (26) and the knuckle (36) and extends inward and downward toward the vehicle to a second end (68). A crank (70) is pivotable connected to the vehicle for rotation by the rod (64) in response to vertical movement of the knuckle (36) relative to the vehicle. The second end (68) of the rod (64) is connected the crank (70). A dampening device (72) is attached to the vehicle and the crank (70) for controlling movement of the crank (70).

Abstract: A strut assembly includes a damper having a housing and a rod moveable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis. The strut assembly includes a flexible membrane configured to receive a pressurized gas to form an air spring. A coil spring defines an inner diameter with the housing disposed within the inner diameter to permit relative movement between the coil spring and the housing. The coil spring is at least partially disposed outside the flexible membrane relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a knuckle having an upper end and a lower end. A bracket is mounted to one of the upper end and the lower end of the knuckle by a plurality of fasteners. A ball joint is mounted to the bracket and configured for attaching the wheel assembly to the vehicle. One of the knuckle and the bracket defines a boss and the other defines a bore. The boss is slideably disposed within the bore in slip fit engagement. The boss transfers a load between the knuckle and the bracket in both a vertical direction along a king pin axis and a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle comprising a stationary spindle and a rotatable axle shaft. An intermediate hub is supported on the spindle. Adjacent inner and outer wheel hubs are supported on the intermediate hub. A differential mechanism interconnects the inner and outer wheel hubs for driving both of the wheel hubs and for permitting relative rotation between the wheel hubs. At least one differential bushing is disposed between the differential mechanism and the intermediate hub. A gear reduction system interconnects the intermediate hub and the axle shaft for providing torque multiplication. A wet disc brake device is coupled between the spindle and the intermediate hub.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20).

Abstract: The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20).

Abstract: A drive axle assembly (10) includes a carrier (24) for supporting a differential case (22) with axle shafts (14, 16) extending therethrough and rotatable with the differential case (22) relative to the carrier (24). A plurality of friction discs (74, 76) are disposed within the differential case (22) and are alternatively connected to the differential case (22) and a drive hub (78), which is connected to one of the axle shafts (14). A sleeve (100) is operably connected to a piston (90) for generating a thrust force and for transmitting the thrust force through the sleeve (100) to move the friction discs (74, 76) closer together. A plurality of levers (104) are operably connected one with the other and disposed between the sleeve (100) and the friction discs (74, 76) to amplify the thrust force of the sleeve (100).

Abstract: A high ground clearance drive assembly includes a drop box and an articulation drop box. The drop box is fixed to the vehicle frame and the articulation drop box pivots relative thereto as a suspension system is exercised. The articulation drop box is pivotable about a pivot pin which extends through both the articulation drop box and the drop box to provide an axial preload therebetween. A first chain interconnects an input sprocket on the input shaft and an intermediate sprocket assembly. A second chain interconnects a second intermediate sprocket and the output sprocket to drive an output shaft connected thereto. A hollow shaft supports the first and second intermediate sprockets about the pivot pin such that rotation of the articulation drop box relative the drop box is accommodated without additional complex structure.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle driveline component assembly includes using forced air to cool lubricant within the assembly. As heat builds up during braking applications, for example, a controller determines when additional cooling may be needed. An air source is activated to induce air flow through at least one flow passage supported relative to the housing so that the air flowing through the passage can absorb heat from the lubricant. In one example, the air flow passage is supported within the component housing. In another example, the air flow passage is associated with a heat exchanger supported external to the component housing in a strategic location on the vehicle or the housing, for example. A pump responsible for causing the air flow preferably also causes lubricant flow in a desired manner to facilitate heat dissipation.