Abstract: An alignment device for adjusting the camber and caster angles of a wheel in an independent front suspension. The wheel is supported on a knuckle assembly which is pivotally connected to upper and lower control arms which are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame. The control arms include bushings received in control arm mounting cylinders which are located between mounting brackets extending from the vehicle frame. Mounting bracket holes at each end of the bushing bore are aligned and, after locating an alignment device eccentric boss at the bracket holes, a mounting bolt is placed through holes in the eccentric boss and through the bushing bore thereby pivotally securing the control arm mounting cylinder. The eccentric boss hole extends through and is axially offset from a circular portion which is received within the mounting bracket hole.

Abstract: A lift axle assembly for supporting an auxiliary axle and wheels and selectively moving the auxiliary axle between in use and storage positions. The auxiliary axle is supported using two sets of upper and lower support arms pivotally connected between saddles attached to the axle and support hangers which are attached to the vehicle. Lift air springs selectively push the upper support arms vertically upwardly for rotating the support arms and placing the auxiliary axle in the storage position. The pivotal connections of the lower support arm as well as the pivotal connection of the upper support arm to the support hanger are of a bushing type allowing both rotational motion about the axis of rotation and coning for allowing twisting of the support arms about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to and back from a pair of hydraulic motors. The valve includes a selector spool for selectively energizing and de-energizing the motors. A pair of flow dividers each include a pair of flow divider spools which are slidingly longitudinally arranged. A pair of poppets, also longitudinally slidingly arranged, are located between the spools are selectively shifted in response to the hydraulic fluid flow and pressures within the motors. The spools and poppets longitudinally shift to equalize the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered to each motor and minimize loses. An override spool is selectively shiftable for bypassing the flow dividers and directly connecting the pump to the motors.

Abstract: A steering wheel drive assembly for steerable wheels of vehicles. A hydraulic motor is provided for driving the wheel and includes a fluid distribution assembly located between the bearing assembly and piston drive assembly. Upper and lower bores are provided in the distribution assembly cover and extension arms attached to the vehicle chassis extend over the bores and are provided with pivot pins detachably attached to the extension arms and extending into the distribution cover bores. The distribution cover bores are coaxial and thereby allow the fluid motor to pivot about an axis of rotation. The motor axis of rotation is preferably colinear with the vertical center line of the steerable wheel. Sleeve bearings are provided within the distribution cover bores and thrust bearings are provided inbetween the extension arms and the distribution cover.