Abstract: A transfer case having a shift mechanism. The shift mechanism may include a shift rail, a range shift assembly, a mode shift assembly, and a sector cam. The sector cam may control movement of the range shift assembly and the mode shift assembly when the sector cam is rotated.

Abstract: An independent suspension includes upper and lower control arms that are coupled to a knuckle that supports a wheel assembly. A spring bracket is pivotally connected to the lower control arm. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the spring bracket to drive the wheel assembly. The spring bracket includes first and second support plates that respectively support first and second springs on opposite sides of the drive shaft. A torque rod is pivotally connected to the spring bracket. The torque rod and the upper and lower control arms are also mounted to a vehicle frame member. The torque rod, knuckle, spring bracket, upper and lower control arms, and vehicle structure cooperate to provide a six link control that accommodates large wheel jounce travel.

Abstract: An independent suspension includes a knuckle connected to a spindle, and an upper control arm that is connected to the knuckle with a first joint assembly. A lower control arm is connected to the knuckle with a second joint assembly. The lower control arm includes a base portion, a pair of laterally extending mounting arms, and a bracket portion that extends in a vertical direction. The bracket portion includes at least two upwardly extending bracket arms that define an opening for receiving a wheel drive shaft. The wheel drive shaft defines an axis of rotation, and the bracket portion supports an air spring plate at a position directly above the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle suspension includes a resilient spring body that is surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover protects the resilient spring body from rupturing when used in harsh vehicle conditions. Preferably, the protective cover is comprised of a rigid or flexible armor material that is resistive to munitions, such as projectiles and razor wire, for example.

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.