Abstract: A suspension is provided that eliminates welded connections between the suspension control arm and the axle. The suspension includes a control arm coupled to a vehicle frame. The control arm has a first sleeve, through which an axle is received. The first sleeve of the control arm has a radially inner surface that tapers. The suspension further includes a second sleeve configured to be received within the first sleeve, about the axle. The second sleeve has a radially outer surface that tapers complementary to the radially surface of the first sleeve. As the second sleeve is urged inward within the first sleeve, the second sleeve clamps down upon the axle.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly comprises an input shaft, an output shaft arranged coaxially with respect to each other, differential gearing and a dedicated reversible lubrication pump disposed between the input and output shafts. The reversible gerotor type lubrication pump includes a rotor driven by the input shaft, and an impeller, both disposed within a pump body coupled to a side gear drivingly connected to the output shaft. Thus, the lubrication pump generates lubricant flow only during the differential action between the input shaft and the output shaft, i.e. only when needed and at a flow rate proportional to the speed difference across the differential assembly. An oil flow generated by the lubrication pump is supplied to various components of the inter-axle differential assembly through a gallery of fluid passages.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a yoke, attached to a drive shaft, for driving a pinion head. The differential assembly further includes inner and outer pinion bearing assemblies, a separable mounting plate, and a cavity defined by a housing for receiving a pinion assembly. The outer pinion bearing assembly is integrally mounted to the housing, while the inner pinion bearing assembly is secured to the separable mounting plate. The pinion head is straddle mounted between the inner and outer pinion bearing assemblies. This is abstract submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A pinion shaft subassembly for a tandem drive axle assembly is provided. The preassembled subassembly includes a bearing cage, bearings disposed within the bearing cage, a pinion shaft disposed about an axis and supported on the bearings, and a driven gear disposed about the pinion shaft. The bearing cage defines a mounting flange that extends radially outwardly and is configured to mount to a corresponding mounting flange of a drive axle housing. The flange is configured such that the subassembly is installed in the drive axle housing from the rear of the housing rather than the forward end. As a result, the housing may be made of a unitary construction.

Abstract: A control rod suspension has at least one dampening structure having an outboard end and an inboard end. The inboard end is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame. The outboard end is pivotally mounted to a king pin. A king pin rotatably connects the knuckle with a steer axle beam.

Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle with an improved mounting arrangement is provided. The subframe includes a first member extending transverse to the longitudinal frame rails on a vehicle frame and is mounted to the frame at a first mounting point between the frame rails. The subframe further includes second and third members that extend from either side of the first member to support suspension control arms, spring/shock units, and a steering linkage. The second and third members are coupled to the frame rails at second and third mounting points. The three mounting points form a generally triangular mounting arrangement that enables greater deflection of the frame rails. Rubber isolators may be used at the mounting points to further increase frame rail deflection and reduce vibration. Further, the second and third members form spring seats for the spring/shock units at locations outboard of the frame rails thereby moving spring reaction points outboard of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An interaxle differential is provided which includes a side gear, a clutch gear torsionally locked on a first input shaft and axially slidably mounted thereon and an annular piston mounted in a differential casing for urging the clutch gear into engagement with a side gear and a spring to urge the clutch gear to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A suspension adjustment device for adjusting both camber and caster of a wheel is provided. A suspension control arm is mounted between a pair of vehicle frame support members using a single fastener. Cams are disposed on either end of the fastener. The cams rotate in grooves defined in the vehicle frame support members and cause the fastener to move inboard or outboard in slots defined in the frame support members in order to adjust wheel camber. Shims are disposed about the fastener on either side of the control arm between the control arm and the frame support members. Shims are removed from one side and added to the other side to move the control arm in the fore-aft direction and adjust wheel caster Alternatively, the fore-aft position of the control arm may be adjusted by rotating a threaded bushing disposed about the fastener and extending through the control arm.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for a heavy duty independent front suspension comprises an upper kingpin support and a lower kingpin support for connecting the knuckle to the upper and lower control arms, respectively. The shock absorber member extends from the vehicle frame to either the lower control arm or the lower kingpin support member. The bolted connection of the upper kingpin support member allows an adjustable kingpin caster angle as opposed to a fixed caster angle provided in a typical kingpin steer independent front suspension axle. This concept allows the angle to be tuned to suit each application of the axle without retooling the components. Additionally, the invention eliminates the bulky upright connecting member of the conventional design.