Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes an axle. The leaf spring suspension system includes a leaf spring having a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of side edges, wherein at least one of the side edges defines a pair of recesses extending inwardly from the side edge. The leaf spring suspension system also includes a clamping assembly operatively coupling the leaf spring to the axle, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of U-shaped bars, wherein a portion of the U-shaped bars is disposed within the pair of recesses of the leaf spring.

Abstract: Axle seats are disclosed for incorporation into vehicle suspensions of the type having a laterally extending axle and a longitudinally extending leaf spring. The axle seat includes a seat portion, a clamp group mounting surface, and an air spring mounting flange. A sidewall of the axle seat connects the seat portion to the clamp group mounting surface and the air spring mounting flange. The clamp group mounting surface and air spring mounting flange are configured to be positioned at different heights when the seat portion is connected to an axle. A second sidewall and air spring mounting flange may be provided, in which case the air spring mounting flanges may be spaced apart to provide an area through which a leaf spring may extend.

Abstract: Axle seats are disclosed for incorporation into vehicle suspensions of the type having a laterally extending axle and a longitudinally extending leaf spring. The axle seat includes a seat portion, a clamp group mounting surface, and an air spring mounting flange. A sidewall of the axle seat connects the seat portion to the clamp group mounting surface and the air spring mounting flange. The clamp group mounting surface and air spring mounting flange are configured to be positioned at different heights when the seat portion is connected to an axle. A second sidewall and air spring mounting flange may be provided, in which case the air spring mounting flanges may be spaced apart to provide an area through which a leaf spring may extend.

Abstract: A vehicle leaf spring suspension having a low spring rate is disclosed. The suspension has an axle seat secured to a vehicle axle. The leaf spring is clamped at its spring seat area to the axle seat at the clamp group mounting surface of the axle seat and with certain of the disclosed axle seats, can be clamped such that the spring seat area is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the vehicle axle centerline. Also, an active clamp group arrangement can be used to utilize the entire physical length of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.

Abstract: A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.

Abstract: A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.

Abstract: A vehicle leaf spring suspension having a low spring rate is disclosed. The suspension has an axle seat secured to a vehicle axle. The leaf spring is clamped at its spring seat area to the axle seat at the clamp group mounting surface of the axle seat and with certain of the disclosed axle seats, can be clamped such that the spring seat area is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the vehicle axle centerline. Also, an active clamp group arrangement can be used to utilize the entire physical length of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.

Abstract: A vehicle leaf spring suspension having a low spring rate is disclosed. The suspension has an axle seat secured to a vehicle axle. The leaf spring is clamped at its spring seat area to the axle seat at the clamp group mounting surface of the axle seat and with certain of the disclosed axle seats, can be clamped such that the spring seat area is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the vehicle axle centerline. Also, an active clamp group arrangement can be used to utilize the entire physical length of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A bushing is shown to include an inner metal component having a performance tuning feature integrated therewith. An elastomer is bonded to the inner metal component. The performance tuning feature may include one or more ribs extending radially outwardly from and circumferentially about the main elongated body portion of the inner metal component.

Abstract: A bushing is shown to include a barpin having an anti-walkout feature in the form of a flange integrated therewith. The flange extends radially outwardly and circumferentially about the elongated body of the barpin. An elastomer is bonded to the barpin.

Abstract: A bushing is shown to include a barpin having an anti-walkout feature in the form of a flange integrated therewith. The flange extends radially outwardly and circumferentially about the elongated body of the barpin. An elastomer is bonded to the barpin.