Abstract: A cargo van includes an integral structural bulkhead to separate a passenger compartment from a cargo area. The cargo van is designed such that the bulkhead wall contributes to the structural rigidity of the vehicle for purposes of meeting National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements. That is, without the bulkhead, the cargo van would not meet NHTSA requirements. By designing the vehicle in this way, the overall vehicle weight is reduced as compared to vehicles in which bulkheads are optional add-ons.

Abstract: A cargo van includes an integral structural bulkhead to separate a passenger compartment from a cargo area. The cargo van is designed such that the bulkhead wall contributes to the structural rigidity of the vehicle for purposes of meeting National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements. That is, without the bulkhead, the cargo van would not meet NHTSA requirements. By designing the vehicle in this way, the overall vehicle weight is reduced as compared to vehicles in which bulkheads are optional add-ons.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension system which is affixed to a forward and laterally extending sub-frame prior to being mounted on a vehicle. The suspension includes four links per side, each side including two different length laterally extending upper control arms and rubber ball joint assemblies, one laterally extending lower control arm, and a longitudinally extending trailing arm. Selected locations, lengths and orientations of the respective arms provide inherent predetermined camber and toe patterns. The entire suspension assembly mounts onto the vehicle at four locations via rubber isolators, providing substantially decreased road noise within the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An independent suspension toe and camber adjustment system. The suspension includes four links per side, each side including two different length laterally extending upper control arms, one laterally extending lower control arm, and a longitudinally extending trailing arm. Selected locations, lengths and orientations of the respective arms provide inherent predetermined camber and toe patterns. The adjustment system includes an inverted U-shaped bracket having off-center, aligned openings formed through the legs of the bracket, and mounted on respective fore and aft upper mounting lugs of the knuckle for adjustable cooperation with the outermost ends of the two different length, laterally extending, upper control arms.