Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a trailer hitch assembly for use with automobiles, trucks and other vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly comprises a crossbeam assembly and a pair of side brackets disposed on opposite ends of the crossbeam assembly. The crossbeam assembly and the side brackets are made of an ultra-high-strength steel material having a bainitic microstructure. The trailer hitch is fabricated from boron steel preheated to a temperature in the austenite range. The steel is then formed while in the austenite range in a forming die then subsequently quenched to achieve a bainitic microstructure and assembled as a trailer hitch.

Abstract: A bushing apparatus improves the axial load capability of attachments of suspension members to structural members of a motor vehicle. The bushing includes an outer sleeve member (16) having an outwardly extending radial flange (36) and an inwardly extending radial flange (40) and an outer diameter so as to allow the bushing device to press fitted into the suspension member. An inner sleeve member (18) is disposed coaxially within the outer sleeve member creating an annular region for a resilient member (20). First and second end washers (22,24) are press fitted into the inner sleeve member. The resilient member 20 also includes first and second projections (52,70) extending radially outward from the resilient member. A stake (90) is formed on a shoulder (92) of the outer sleeve member to retain the outer sleeve member within the suspension member.