Abstract: A vehicle with a suspension system having a compressible liquid confined in a cylinder and compressed to a predetermined static pressure. A damping piston is disposed on a double ended rod where the rod ends have different cross sectional areas to provide a differential area which is acted on by the liquid to spring support the weight of the vehicle. The end of the larger rod is connected to the vehicle chassis and bearings in each end of the cylinder transfer high bending moments due to wheel loads. Friction is reduced by eliminating contact between the large diameter piston and cylinder, and limiting frictional contact to the relatively small diameter of the bearings and seals. Total fluid volume is increased to provide a lower spring rate by a fluid chamber within the rod, and an apparatus is provided to control ride height by changes in liquid pressure and/or volume which also changes spring rate.

Abstract: A compressible fluid type suspension strut is interconnected between a vehicle frame and a steerable wheel spindle support providing spring and shock absorbing functions and serving as a steering bearing support assembly. An arrangement of spherical bearing members and bearing support plates are disposed around the piston rod of the suspension strut and interconnect the rod with a frame support member for transmitting bearing loads during normal operation of the strut and in the event of collapse of the strut whereby the spindle supported by the strut may be steered. The lower end of the suspension strut cylinder is connected to the spindle support body by a self aligning bearing assembly to alleviate bending loads on the strut cylinder. An outer bearing sleeve extends between the spindle body and a frame support member for carrying bending loads imposed on the strut assembly.