Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.

Abstract: A method for securing a suspension may include attaching a frame interface device to a vehicle frame and aligning a first connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector, or a first connector may be straddled by two second connectors, when the connector set is aligned. These aligned connectors may be secured by a fastener, thereby securing the suspension to the frame. A suspension attachment system may include a hanger bracket of a suspension, a frame interface device, and a connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector when the connector set is aligned. The suspension may be secured to the frame as a result of the aligned and secured connector set.

Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.

Abstract: A method for securing a suspension may include attaching a frame interface device to a vehicle frame and aligning a first connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector, or a first connector may be straddled by two second connectors, when the connector set is aligned. These aligned connectors may be secured by a fastener, thereby securing the suspension to the frame. A suspension attachment system may include a hanger bracket of a suspension, a frame interface device, and a connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector when the connector set is aligned. The suspension may be secured to the frame as a result of the aligned and secured connector set.

Abstract: A method of constructing a vehicle suspension system includes forming a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake mounting integrally formed with the suspension arm; and then securing the suspension arm to an axle. A suspension system includes an axle and a suspension arm having a pivot connection which pivotably connects the axle to a vehicle frame, whereby the axle is vertically displaceable relative to the frame. At least one brake shoe is pivotably mounted to the suspension arm. Another suspension system includes a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake spider integrally formed with the suspension arm. The brake spider includes at least one opening which receives a brake shoe pivot therein.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a member which extends laterally relative to a frame of a vehicle. At least one spindle carrier may pivot about the member. Multiple spindle carriers may be pivotably mounted at respective opposite ends of the member. A spindle carrier may rotate about an axis which is collinear with and/or parallel to an axis of the member.

Abstract: A method of constructing a vehicle suspension system includes forming a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake mounting integrally formed with the suspension arm; and then securing the suspension arm to an axle. A suspension system includes an axle and a suspension arm having a pivot connection which pivotably connects the axle to a vehicle frame, whereby the axle is vertically displaceable relative to the frame. At least one brake shoe is pivotably mounted to the suspension arm. Another suspension system includes a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake spider integrally formed with the suspension arm. The brake spider includes at least one opening which receives a brake shoe pivot therein.

Abstract: A suspension system having a composite beam. In a described embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle having a frame is provided. The suspension system includes an axle and a beam interconnected between the vehicle frame and the axle. The beam has opposite ends, an elongated body extending between the opposite ends, and a metal end connection at one of the opposite ends. The body is made of a composite material.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.

Abstract: A suspension system having an axle, at least a portion of which is made of a composite material. In a described embodiment, a suspension system includes an axle assembly which has a composite axle portion. Metal spindles are attached at each end of the axle for mounting wheels thereto. Two beams may be attached directly to the composite axle portion, to a sleeve overlying the composite axle portion, or to an axle seat attached to the sleeve or directly to the composite axle portion.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a dump truck which is to be connected to a paver using a truck hitch. In one example, a system for connecting a dump truck to a paver includes a liftable and steerable suspension of the truck, the suspension having an adapter with a laterally outwardly facing concave side. A truck hitch of the paver engages the concave side of the adapter to attach the truck hitch to the suspension. In another example, a method of connecting a dump truck to a paver includes the steps of: interconnecting a hydraulic actuator between a frame of the truck and an axle of a suspension of the truck to thereby transmit a load from the frame to the axle; then raising a bed of the truck, the load increasing as the bed is raised; and increasing pressure in the hydraulic actuator in response to the increasing load.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A lift axle parallelogram suspension system. In a described embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle having a generally longitudinally extending frame includes an axle assembly and upper and lower trailing arms. One end of each of the upper and lower arms is attached to the frame at a pivot connection, and an opposite end of the arm is attached to the axle assembly at another pivot connection. Each of the arms is angled laterally outward from the frame as the arm extends from the frame pivot connection to the axle assembly pivot connection.

Abstract: A tag axle suspension system provides weight reduction and enhanced safety and ride quality. In a described embodiment, a tag axle suspension system includes hanger brackets pivotably attached to a vehicle frame. Actuators push rearwardly on the hanger brackets to raise an axle relative to the vehicle frame. The hanger brackets are rigidly attached to a tubular member extending laterally across the vehicle frame. The tubular member is rotatably attached to the vehicle frame.