Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: In a tandem wheel and axle suspension for suspending a vehicle chassis, a flexible joint assembly for connecting the underside of each distal end of a fore-and-aft leaf spring equalizer beam to the subadjacent end of a transverse axle comprising a downwardly projecting spring anchor mounted on the underside of the distal end of the bottom leaf of the leaf spring, a load cushion formed of elastomeric material having an upwardly open socket in which the projecting portion of the spring anchor is embedded, and an axle bracket mounted on the subadjacent end of the axle having an upwardly open socket formation into which the load cushion is seated. An elastomeric rebound cushion is mounted over each distal end to prevent the spring anchor from disengaging the load cushion axle and is without upper torque rods.

Abstract: A tandem-axle walking beam suspension is disclosed which uses bushings of novel design in the bores at opposite ends of the walking beams. The cores of the bushings have projecting ends each of which fits between the bifurcated end of one of the pair of axle bracket arms which straddle one end of each walking beam. A removable fastener, such as a nut and bolt is used to connect each projecting bushing core end and its associated bifurcated axle bracket arm. The resulting new system of connecting the equalizer or walking beams to the axle brackets provides easier serviceability of the beam end connections during repair or replacement and by using shims in the connections provides a convenient means of suspension alignment.

Abstract: A 4-spring, tandem axle suspension system comprising a pair of semi-elliptic compound leaf spring assemblies positioned on each side of the vehicle frame in fore-and-aft alignment. The remote ends of each pair of leaf springs are retained by engagement with front and rear brackets extending from the vehicle frame on each side, while the adjacent or proximate ends of the spring assemblies on each side are connected by means of a pair of shackles to opposing ends of an equalizer bar pivotally mounted on a bracket rigidly attached to the vehicle frame between the adjacent spring ends. Each inner or adjacent end of each spring assembly is pivotally attached to its shackles by means of a pivot bolt passing through a bushing and spring eye formed on the uppermost leaf of the spring assembly.