Abstract: A suspension (10) for multi-wheeled vehicles includes a pair of outer equalizing beams (18) rockably supported by trunnion assemblies (22, 26) for deflection in response to changes in the terrain over which the vehicle travels. The equalizing beams (18) mount a pair of axles (16) supporting ground-engaging wheels. At least one inner equalizing beam (20) is mounted to a trunnion assembly (24) with the inner equalizing beam (20) providing a support for mounting of two leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) between the outer equalizing beams (18). In one embodiment, a four-axle suspension includes two leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) on each side of the vehicle. Each leaf spring assembly (28, 30) is secured between one of the outer equalizing beams (18) and the inner equalizing beam (20). The leaf spring assemblies (28, 30) include an axle connection (34) for supporting an axle (14) and a ground-engaging wheel.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension assembly (12) for a truck or trailer (18) includes a plurality of leaf springs (20) arranged in a vertical relationship. The leaf springs (20) are mounted to a vehicle through a trunnion assembly (28) which permits for flexure of the ends of the springs (20) to which wheels (16, 18) are attached. The ends of the leaf springs (20) are mounted in an axle connection (26) comprising a housing. The lower leaf (64) of the leaf spring assembly (20) is seated against a base plate (52) of the axle connection (26) and is restrained against movement relative thereto by pairs of pins (90) or cups (72) disposed between the spring (64) and the base plate (52). Cups (74) or pins are also disposed between adjacent springs of the leaf spring assembly (20) to restrain longitudinal movement therebetween.

Abstract: An elastomeric suspension system for wheeled vehicles includes an equalizing beam pivotably mounted about its center to a trunnion tube which is rigidly mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The trunnion tube is press fitted into an aperture in a trunnion rubber bushing which, in turn, is press fitted into an aperture in the equalizing beam. Near each end of the equalizing beam is an axle mounted transversely to the beam. Each axle has mounted thereon one end of a cylindrical elastomeric spring which is connected at its other end to the equalizing beam. A rebound shaft is slidably connected at one end to each axle and at the other end to each end of the equalizing beam to prevent excessive rebound of the equalizing beam with respect to the axles. Each axle is pivotably connected to a central portion of the equalizing beam through radius rods. The elastomeric rubber spring isolates a substantial amount of vibrations of the axle, particularly vertical vibration, from the equalizing beam.

Abstract: A vertically swingable control arm has a pivotal connection with a bracket on the vehicle frame and another connection to a bracket on the axle. One or more of these connections includes a bolt passing through aligned apertures in the bracket and control arm. The bracket apertures have a larger cross dimension than the bolt to facilitate alignment of the axle relative to the frame. The axle is initially secured in aligned relation by tightening a nut on the bolt. A plate carried by the bolt is then welded to the bracket to fix the relative alignment of the axle and frame.