Abstract: An anti-roll bar is attached directly to first and second control arms in a vehicle suspension. The anti-roll bar includes a central body portion that extends in a lateral direction, and first and second legs that extend from the central body portion in a longitudinal direction. The first and second legs are attached to inboard surfaces of the first and second control arms. The anti-roll bar is positioned such that the central body portion does not extend outwardly beyond longitudinal ends of the first and second control arms, and does not extend vertically below lower surfaces of the first and second control arms. This configuration allows the vehicle suspension to be packaged within a smaller space, and improves ground clearance.

Abstract: A suspension for a steering axle includes two links extending from the axle laterally inwardly to be attached to a lateral shackle plate. The lateral shackle plate is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The links may be two separate members, or may be a single V-shaped member. The links operate to transfer lateral loads between the two sides of a vehicle receiving the suspension.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a non-drive steering axle includes a set of air springs supported on an axle beam extending between a pair of rotating wheels. The axle beam defines a lateral axis about which the wheels rotate. A lateral stiffener assembly cooperates with the axle beam, which provides torsional stiffness, to provide high lateral stiffness in the air suspension system. The lateral stiffener assembly includes a first arm that extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on one lateral side of the vehicle. A second arm extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on an opposite lateral side of the vehicle. Each of the first and second arms has one arm end supported by the axle beam and an opposite arm end mounted to a vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement is utilized to secure a suspension element to an axle. The clamp arrangement includes a pair of spaced clamp halves that are tightened to cam a pair of holding frame elements together and hold the suspension element to the axle. Preferably, a pair of clamp halves is positioned on each side of the axle such that they do not take space beneath the axle. In this manner, ground clearance is increased over the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heavy duty suspension system including a frame and a pair of spaced apart trailing arms. The trailing arms have at least a portion with an open bottom and flanges extending away from the opening. The trailing arm preferably has a generally U-shaped cross-section over a substantial portion of its length. An axle has opposing end portions pivotally supported respectively on the trailing arms. A V-rod includes first and second spaced apart ends extending to a common third end with the first and second ends preferably pivotally attached to the frame. The third end is preferably pivotally attached to the axle. The V-rod provides lateral stability and defines a pinion angle with the trailing arms. The trailing arms extend longitudinally from the forward portion to a rearward portion. An anti-roll bar includes opposing end portions and a central portion transverse to and extending between the end portions.

Abstract: An axle assembly of this invention includes an axle beam having a top section, a bottom section and two side sections. The top and bottom sections are of a first thickness that is greater than the thickness of material comprising the two side sections. The thicknesses of each of the sections are tailored to carry expected loads. The top and bottom sections are the primary load bearing sections for loads exerted on the axle. Therefore, the top and bottom sections are of increased thickness and the side sections that encounter a reduced load are of a reduced thickness, providing a more efficient use of material.