Abstract: A shear mount assembly and a compression mount assembly are combined to control ride harshness of a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a body and a shock rod having a hydraulically sealed portion within the body and a distally extending free portion. A mount assembly is connected at the free portion having both a compression mount and a shear mount therein. The shear mount absorbs low-input vertical loads transferred from the shock rod, and the compression mount limits vertical displacement of the shear mount and absorbs a medium-input vertical load. The shear mount and the compression mount are tuned by selecting the durometer, dimensions, and physical configuration of each mount.

Abstract: A shear mount assembly and a compression mount assembly are combined to control ride harshness of a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a body and a shock rod having a hydraulically sealed portion within the body and a distally extending free portion. A mount assembly is connected at the free portion having both a compression mount and a shear mount therein. The shear mount absorbs low-input vertical loads transferred from the shock rod, and the compression mount limits vertical displacement of the shear mount and absorbs a medium-input vertical load. The shear mount and the compression mount are tuned by selecting the durometer, dimensions, and physical configuration of each mount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination isolator and jounce bumper. The combination isolator and jounce bumper is disposed on a spring seat of a suspension system and includes a locating member in the form of a projection extending therefrom. The projection is inserted into an 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 a spring retaining portion of the combination isolator and jounce bumper. An orientation member in the form of a second projection is provided at a pre-selected location on the spring retaining portion. The second projection engages an end of the coil spring so that the coil spring assumes a preselected orientation relative thereto. The jounce bumper portion of the isolator projects upwardly from the spring retaining portion so as to be coaxially aligned with the coil spring.

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: A steering linkage arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an axle assembly, a tie rod assembly and a steering damper. The tie rod assembly includes a tubular member. The steering damper has a first end connected to the axle assembly and a second end connected to a mounting member. The tubular member is integrally formed to include a portion for positively locating the mounting member along the length of the tubular member.