Abstract: A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area.

Abstract: A frame hanger for suspending an axle/suspension system from an aluminum vehicle frame also is formed of aluminum. The hanger is directly a ached to the other components of the frame by welds. The hanger is an integral structure that successfully reacts loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle, and which are transmitted into the other components of the vehicle frame through the hangers. The hanger reacts such loads and especially side or lateral loads, despite being formed from the lightweight metal aluminum, and together with the other components of the vehicle frame is free of add-on support structures such as gussets or the like. The aluminum hanger achieves such efficient load reacting capabilities due to its structural design which substantially completely and continuously surrounds and laterally supports its respective beam bushing assembly of the axle/suspension system suspended from the hanger.

Abstract: A lift assembly for an axle of the trailer of a semi-trailer or of another vehicle such as a straight truck, is mounted generally adjacent to and beneath each suspension beam of the axle/suspension systems of the trailer or other vehicle. The manner of mounting the lift assembly generally adjacent to and beneath the beam provides sufficient clearance for concurrent disposition of a dual service/parking brake chamber adjacent to and beneath the beam. The location and orientation of the axle lift assembly, relative to radial lines emanating from the pivot point of the suspension beam, facilitates the application of efficient lift forces to the beam by the lift assembly, which in turn results in less wear to an air chamber of the lift assembly. The air chamber of the lift assembly can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to allow for replacement of the dual brake chamber.

Abstract: A frame hanger for suspending an axle/suspension system from an aluminum vehicle frame also is formed of aluminum. The hanger is directly attached to the other components of the frame by welds. The hanger is an integral structure that successfully reacts loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle, and which are transmitted into the other components of the vehicle frame through the hangers. The hanger reacts such loads and especially side or lateral loads, despite being formed from the lightweight metal aluminum, and together with the other components of the vehicle frame is free of add-on support structures such as gussets or the like. The aluminum hanger achieves such efficient load reacting capabilities due to its structural design which substantially completely and continuously surrounds and laterally supports its respective beam bushing assembly of the axle/suspension system suspended from the hanger.

Abstract: A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a frame, a frame connection member, a beam assembly, a torque box and an air bag connection. The beam assembly is lightweight, cost effective, and efficient because the beam assembly utilizes a box beam structure in conjunction with the torque box structure which provides for substantially even distribution of axle deflections throughout the entire beam assembly.

Abstract: An air ride suspension system having very high (height) carrying and/or lift capabilities includes a pair of stacked, expandable airbags connected to the frame of a wheeled vehicle such that there is a lower beam for supporting the stack and an intermediate beam with plate member for stabilizing the connection between the stacked airbags. The frame of the vehicle can serve as the upper support for the stack, or optionally, a separate third beam may be used therefor. There is provided in a further embodiment on the lower beam a unique caster adjusting feature comprised of an adjustable radius rod, and a pivot pin connection, attached to the axle in such a way that adjustment of the radius rod pivots the axle orientation about the pivot pin, thus adjusting caster.