Abstract: A shock assembly includes a first tube having a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tube is received within the first tube and includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A piston assembly is received within the second tube and includes a piston rod and a piston that is selectively movable relative to the first tube and the second tube. A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube between the inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A shock assembly includes a first tube having a cylindrical wail with an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tube is received within the first tube and includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A piston assembly is received within the second tube and includes a piston rod and a piston that is selectively movable relative to the first tube and the second tube. A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube between the inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the second lube.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism is provided for a motor vehicle including an axle, a spring seat, an isolator, and a coil spring. The spring seat is coupled to the axle and includes an aperture formed at a pre-selected location therein. An isolator is disposed on the spring seat and includes a locating member in the form of a projection extending therefrom. The projection engages the aperture in the spring seat so that the isolator assumes a preselected orientation relative to the spring seat when positioned thereon. A coil spring is secured to the isolator by a retention member in the form of an annular groove having a plurality of discrete protrusions overlapping the lowest coil of the coil spring. An orientation member in the form of a second projection is provided at a preselected location on the isolator. The second projection engages an end of the coil spring to that the coil spring assumes a preselected orientation relative to the isolator.

Abstract: An upper control arm assembly for a rear axle of an uni-body vehicle. The uni-body vehicle includes a pair of longitudinally spaced opposing sills generally extending along the length of the vehicle. The upper control arm assembly comprises an upper control arm having a central portion and a pair of end portions. The central portion of the upper control arm is positioned over the rear axle of the vehicle. Each of the pair of end portions of the upper control arm is positioned adjacent the pair of opposing sills of the vehicle and define a bushing aperture. A pair of spool bushings is also provided for retaining the upper control arm. The pair of spool bushings are vertically disposed in the bushing apertures so as to pivotally couple the upper control arm to the pair of opposing sills of the uni-body vehicle. The vertical orientation of the spool bushings maximizes the lateral stiffness of the rear suspension system of the uni-body vehicle, while providing lower fore/aft and vertical stiffnesses.