Abstract: An axle seat bracket-to-beam connection for a heavy-duty axle/suspension system includes at least a pair of spaced apart weld stops that are attached to a beam of a suspension assembly of the axle/suspension system. A weld is laid along an interface between the axle seat bracket and the beam between the pair of weld stops.

Abstract: An axle seat bracket-to-beam connection for a heavy-duty axle/suspension system includes at least a pair of spaced apart weld stops that are attached to a beam of a suspension assembly of the axle/suspension system. A weld is laid along an interface between the axle seat bracket and the beam between the pair of weld stops.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a connector having a U-shaped cross section and includes two pairs of legs. Each of the legs is formed with an opening. The connector extends longitudinally along the axle and is also formed with a pair of window weld openings adjacent to the axle. The connector provides a conforming fit of the connector to the axle when the connector is pulled over the axle using the leg openings and is attached to the axle and beam of the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system is located generally adjacent to and beside the suspension assembly. The lift assembly includes an air chamber, a support member assembly, a pivot arm assembly and a beam support assembly. The support member assembly attaches to the hanger of the suspension assembly, to the air chamber, and pivotally attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The air chamber also attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly pivotally attaches to the beam support assembly which in turn attaches to the beam of the suspension assembly, for raising and/or lowering the suspension assembly during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a pair of U-bolt brackets that extend generally to or beyond a selected centerline of the axle. The U-bolt brackets are located a distance from one another so that the distance between the U-bolt brackets is equivalent to or preferably less than the outside diameter of the axle resulting in a slight deformation of the axle and a compressive preload between the axle and the U-bolt brackets when the axle is seated between the U-bolt brackets. A weld is placed between the U-bolt brackets and the axle at or beyond the horizontal centerline of the axle within the residual compressive stress field on the axle created by the interference fit of the axle into the U-boll brackets. Means for securing connection of the axle to the beam includes a U-boll or other similar means to provide additional locating support to the axle.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system is located generally adjacent to and beside the suspension assembly. The lift assembly includes an air chamber, a support member assembly, a pivot arm assembly and a beam support assembly. The support member assembly attaches to the hanger of the suspension assembly, to the air chamber, and pivotally attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The air chamber also attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly pivotally attaches to the beam support assembly which in turn attaches to the beam of the suspension assembly, for raising and/or lowering the suspension assembly during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a pair of U-bolt brackets that extend generally to or beyond a selected centerline of the axle. The U-bolt brackets are located a distance from one another so that the distance between the U-bolt brackets is equivalent to or preferably less than the outside diameter of the axle resulting in a slight deformation of the axle and a compressive preload between the axle and the U-bolt brackets when the axle is seated between the U-bolt brackets. A weld is placed between the U-bolt brackets and the axle at or beyond the horizontal centerline of the axle within the residual compressive stress field on the axle created by the interference fit of the axle into the U-boll brackets. Means for securing connection of the axle to the beam includes a U-boll or other similar means to provide additional locating support to the axle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a connector having a U-shaped cross section and includes two pairs of legs. Each of the legs is formed with an opening. The connector extends longitudinally along the axle and is also formed with a pair of window weld openings adjacent to the axle. The connector provides a conforming fit of the connector to the axle when the connector is pulled over the axle using the leg openings and is attached to the axle and beam of the axle/suspension system.