Abstract: A strut for a brake beam assembly includes a strut body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. At least one slot is defined in the strut body and receives and supports a brake lever extending non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. A compression member engager is connected to a distal end of the strut body and is configured to connect the strut body to a compression member of the brake beam assembly. A tension member engager is connected to the proximal end of the strut body and is configured to engage a tension member of the brake beam assembly. At least one fastener is configured to engage the compression member engager to fasten the compression member engager on the compression member. At least a portion of the strut body is rotatable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the compression member engager and the tension member engager to be oriented at opposing angles with respect to a horizontal plane extending through the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Metal stock is forged into a blank consisting of a rod-like shank joined at one end to the inner ends of a pair of forks having enlarged flattened outer ends projecting laterally of the forks in the same direction and provided with pin-receiving openings. One fork is aligned with the shank and the other fork extends laterally away from the shank and then outwardly, with its enlarged end projecting toward the other fork. Both forks are then twisted in the same direction to turn their flattened ends approximately 45.degree. into spaced parallel planes, and the longer fork is bent to move its flattened end into a position in which its opening is axially aligned with the opening in the other enlarged end.