Abstract: A steerable axle assembly incorporates an improved kingpin securement system for accommodating wear during the useful life of the kingpin. The assembly defines a steering axle boss having a vertically oriented bore. A pivotal steering knuckle is secured to the boss. A cylindrical kingpin is supported within the bore and extends through apertures in the knuckle to retain the knuckle on the boss. The boss includes a cross aperture which extends transversely to and partially intersects the bore. A drawkey, supported within the cross aperture, includes an elongated head having a tapered flat surface adapted to engage the kingpin. The drawkey includes a threaded shaft portion which has an end extending externally of the cross aperture, and a nut threaded on the shaft portion for securement of drawkey the against the kingpin. A disc spring washer is secured about the threaded shaft portion of the drawkey, between the nut and an exterior surface of the boss for preloading the drawkey against the kingpin.

Abstract: An improved shift motor assembly for selectively moving a shift rod or similar member between two gear-engaging positions for use, for example, in a two-speed axle assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a mechanism for limiting the amount of linear movement of a drive nut of a gear changing apparatus. The movement limiting mechanism interrupts an electrical circuit between a source of electrical energy and a bi-directional motor utilized to move the drive nut, thereby preventing linear movement of the drive nut beyond predetermined limit positions in either directions. The movement limiting mechanism includes a movable electrical contact which normally engages a stationary electrical contact. The movable and stationary electrical contacts form a single pole, single throw electrical switch which is connected in series between the source of electrical energy and the motor.

Abstract: A vehicle having a swing axle, front and rear trunnion bearing assemblies for supporting this axle and front and rear trunnion supports wherein the trunnion supports each take the form of a cored or hollow casting that is filled with lubricating fluid and thus acts as a fluid reservoir. First passage means in fluid communication with the trunnion bearings permit the flow of lubricating fluid from the reservoir to the trunnion bearings, with second passage means providing fluid communication with the trunnion bearings and a pair of thrust bearings.

Abstract: A geared differential of the limited slip type wherein spring or bias means, exerting a predetermined force, are interposed between the outer ends of the side gears and adjacent portion of the differential carrier housing for urging each side gear in a direction opposite to the direction of the axial force applied to the side gear, via the planetary gear, thereby normally tending to urge the clutch friction discs into disengagement as long as the predetermined force is greater than the axial force, thereby permitting a high differential bias under heavy drawbar conditions and a relatively low bias under light drawbar conditions.