Abstract: A leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a chassis rail and an axle. The suspension system also includes a first stage leaf spring. The suspension system further includes a second stage leaf spring. The suspension system yet further includes a third stage leaf spring operatively coupled at a first end and a second end to the chassis rail, wherein the first stage leaf spring is located below the third stage leaf spring and the second stage leaf spring is located below the first stage leaf spring. The suspension system also include a spacer in abutment with a leaf spring, wherein the spacer is formed of at least one composite material.

Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle frame. The suspension system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The suspension system further includes a tension shackle pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame about an axis, the tension shackle defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the tension shackle, wherein the axis about which the tension shackle is pivotable is below the second end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a chassis rail. Also included is an axle. Further included is a first stage leaf spring operatively coupled at a first end and a second end to the chassis rail, the first stage leaf spring formed of a single steel spring plate and having a first length. Yet further included is a second stage leaf spring operatively coupled to the first stage leaf spring in a stacked arrangement proximate the axle, the second stage leaf spring formed of a composite material and having a second length that is less than the first length of the first stage leaf spring.

Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a chassis rail. Also included is a leaf spring operatively coupled at a first end and a second end to the chassis rail, the leaf spring formed of a composite material. Further included is a first bumper operatively coupled to the leaf spring, the first bumper spaced from the chassis rail in a first condition of the leaf spring and configured to provide a first spring rate, and in contact with the chassis rail in a second condition of the leaf spring, contact between the first bumper and the chassis rail configured to provide a second spring rate of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a leaf spring fixedly coupled proximate a first end and proximate a second end of the leaf spring to the chassis rail. Further included is a half leaf spring fixedly coupled to the chassis rail proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and fixedly coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.