Abstract: A power transmission includes a plurality of ratio gear members, a planetary splitter, and a plurality of splitter control gear members. The ratio gear members are divided between two countershafts and two input clutches such that two power paths are provided from the transmission input. The splitter control gear members are disposed on the output of each of the ratio gears to establish input power paths to the planetary splitter, which delivers power to the transmission output shaft. By providing selective engagement of two selectively operable input clutches, a plurality of mechanical clutches and the planetary splitter gearset eight forward speed ratios are provided. A ninth forward ratio is provide by a mechanical clutch directly interconnecting one of the input clutches with the transmission output shaft in bypassing relation to the planetary splitter.

Abstract: A ride strut for a vehicle suspension system having relatively reciprocable piston and cylinder members which provide a pair of variable volume chambers and a fixed volume chamber interconnected through a pair of orifices which serve to dampen the relative movement of members. The piston member is formed with a passage that cooperates with a recess formed in the cylinder member for providing a continuous flow leveling system.