Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided for coupling elongated frame rails to first and second axles, the axles extending in a direction transverse to the frame rails. Each axle has opposed outer end portions projecting outwardly beyond the frame rails. At each side of the vehicle, in proximity to the frame rail at the respective side of the vehicle, a vehicle suspension is provided which includes a leaf spring assembly comprised of one or more leaf springs. The leaf spring assembly has first and second end portions and a central portion. The leaf spring assembly extends from the outer end portion of the first axle to the outer end portion of the second axle. A bushing is coupled to the frame rail. The bushing includes at least three arcuate reinforcing plates with elastomeric material disposed between the plates. The leaf spring assembly is coupled to the bushing, most preferably by a clamp, to thereby couple the central portion of the leaf spring to the frame rail through the bushing.

Abstract: A fuel system having a fuel tank for storing a supply of fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided with a fuel recirculation system. Fuel is supplied from the fuel tank to the engine through a supply line and excess fuel is returned from the engine to the tank through a return line. The fuel in the return line is typically warmed as it passes through or in proximity to the engine. A valve is positioned within the fuel tank to sense the temperature of the fuel supplied to the engine and, when the temperature is colder than desired, divert a portion of the warmed return fuel back to the supply line. The diverted fuel helps warm the fuel supplied to the engine and prevent waxing in the fuel system. When the fuel supplied to the engine is not colder than desired, the valve is closed and the warmed fuel is returned to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An integral rear end bracket for facilitating the mounting and proper positioning of a prefabricated truck body onto a prefabricated truck chassis when the bracket is attached to the rear end of the chassis' longitudinal frame member. The bracket includes a plate member having a hook-like profile comprised of a stem portion and hook portion. The stem portion extends rearwardly of the chassis and the hook portion extends upwardly and rearwardly. The hook is so located that a forward portion of a usually C-shaped cross-member of the truck body contacts the hook when the body is at the proper position on the chassis and serves not only to locate the body but prevent forward movement thereof. The stem portion of the hook may be provided with preset holes which align with standard holes in the chassis frame for connection thereto. The stem portion may have further extending rearwardly therefrom a flange which properly locates and connects a bumper to the chassis.

Abstract: A latching device to connect two adjacent members (e.g. sections of a stake type truck body) is provided. The latching device is comprised of two basic members, a latching assembly and a receiving member, each attached to one of the adjacent members. The latching assembly includes a latch rod which is slidably and rotatably attached to one of the members and a spring. The spring biases the latch rod away from the receiving member. The receiving member is connected to the second member and may have a slot therein. The latch rod has an engaging end which is received within the slot and has two engaging surfaces. These two engaging surfaces firmly engage two receiving surfaces of the receiving member when the latching device is latched.