Abstract: A vehicle leaf spring suspension having a low spring rate is disclosed. The suspension has an axle seat secured to a vehicle axle. The leaf spring is clamped at its spring seat area to the axle seat at the clamp group mounting surface of the axle seat and with certain of the disclosed axle seats, can be clamped such that the spring seat area is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the vehicle axle centerline. Also, an active clamp group arrangement can be used to utilize the entire physical length of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A four-point wishbone-shaped linkage is disclosed for use in a suspension system. The wishbone-shaped linkage includes a base and two limbs that extend away from the base creating a large mouth open area between the limbs and base. The base includes a bar and bushing assembly extending laterally therethrough. Also disclosed are suspension systems incorporating the four-point wishbone-shaped linkage. The suspension system connects an axle to a vehicle chassis that has a first frame member extending longitudinally on one side of the chassis and a second frame member extending longitudinally on the opposite side of the chassis. The first and second frame hangers are mounted to the first and second frame member, respectively. A cross member connects the first and second frame hangers. In addition to the wishbone-shaped linkage, the suspension system includes first and second air springs connected to first and second frame members respectively and to the axle.

Abstract: A shackle assembly is shown to include a shackle bracket, wear pads, a shackle stop, shackle plates and elastomer bushings. The shackle bracket includes legs forming portions thereof, which serve as contact surfaces for the wear pads and the shackle plates. By providing conical and lateral stiffness, the shackle bracket legs allow for the use of a more versatile elastomer bushing. The elastomer bushing preferably includes voids vertically separated with respect to each other and the elastomer layer preferably is in the form of a bowtie-shaped configuration, which enhances vertical, conical and torsional performance. A first redundancy feature is in the form of a shackle stop secured between the shackle plates. The shackle stop provides longitudinal control of the axle in the event the opposite limb of the leaf spring is broken, the vehicle is generally traveling in a given direction and the vehicle is subject to deceleration.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for supporting an axle on a vehicle frame includes a pair of transversely spaced hangers mounted on and depending from the frame. Each one of a pair of longitudinally extending control arms is pivotally attached at one end of its ends to a respective one of the hangers, and at the other of its ends to a respective one of a pair of axle seats. The axle seats rigidly capture the transversely extending axle. A support member is attached to and extends longitudinally rearwardly from each of the axle seats for mounting an air spring and a shock absorber. Each of the air springs and shock absorbers extend upwardly from its respective support member and is attached to the frame. A generally rigid torque box is immovably attached at one of its ends to the frame, and at the other of its ends to the axle. The torque box is a hollow fabrication closed at each of its attachment ends by a mounting tube. A shaft having at least one bushing molded about the shaft is press fit into each of the tubes.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for supporting an axle on a vehicle frame includes a pair of transversely spaced hangers mounted on and depending from the frame. Each one of a pair of longitudinally extending control arms is pivotally attached at one end of its ends to a respective one of the hangers, and at the other of its ends to a respective one of a pair of axle seats. The axle seats rigidly capture the transversely extending axle. A support member is attached to and extends longitudinally rearwardly from each of the axle seats for mounting an air spring and a shock absorber. Each of the air springs and shock absorbers extend upwardly from its respective support member and is attached to the frame. A generally rigid torque box is immovably attached at one of its ends to the frame, and at the other of its ends to the axle. The torque box is a hollow fabrication closed at each of its attachment ends by a mounting tube. A shaft having at least one bushing molded about the shaft is press fit into each of the tubes.

Abstract: A vocational vehicle (i.e. truck or trailer intended for off-road operation) comprising a chassis mounted on a tandem axle suspension and having lateral stability in addition to roll and fore-and-aft stability. Roll and fore-and-aft stability are provided by a suspension sub-assembly comprising the stabilizer or cross tube of the suspension and a crank arm fixedly mounted on each end of the stabilizer tube with its distal end pivotally attached to the adjacent side of the chassis. Lateral stability is provided by a transverse torque rod interconnected between the rear axle and the chassis.