Abstract: A vehicle suspension system utilizes a resilient rod and bracket configuration to replace standard torque rods. Resilient rods are used to couple an axle member to a vehicle member. The axle member includes an axle bracket and the vehicle member includes a vehicle bracket. Upper and lower resilient rods are coupled to the axle and vehicle brackets at each axle end. The resilient rods are pogo rods that utilize a pair of resilient grommets at each rod end that are compressed against a bracket flange by a pair of rigid cups to provide a resilient mount interface. This resilient mount interface at each rod end allows relative movement between the axle and vehicle brackets and each rod in up to ten degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A suspension for a steering axle includes two links extending from the axle laterally inwardly to be attached to a lateral shackle plate. The lateral shackle plate is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The links may be two separate members, or may be a single V-shaped member. The links operate to transfer lateral loads between the two sides of a vehicle receiving the suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle includes two frame beams, such as c-channels, and a module structure attached to the frame beams to define a vehicle frame. An independent front suspension is attached to the module structure. A radiator, an engine and an energy absorbing front bumper are attached to mounting brackets of the module structure. When the module structure is attached to the frame beams, the engine is located under seats in the cab and behind the independent front suspension. A hood of the vehicle can be inclined relative to the ground, improving the aerodynamic shape of the cab and driver visibility.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a non-drive steering axle includes a set of air springs supported on an axle beam extending between a pair of rotating wheels. The axle beam defines a lateral axis about which the wheels rotate. A lateral stiffener assembly cooperates with the axle beam, which provides torsional stiffness, to provide high lateral stiffness in the air suspension system. The lateral stiffener assembly includes a first arm that extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on one lateral side of the vehicle. A second arm extends from the axle beam transverse to the lateral axis and is positioned on an opposite lateral side of the vehicle. Each of the first and second arms has one arm end supported by the axle beam and an opposite arm end mounted to a vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A suspension bracket is supported by an axle housing and is used to attach a vehicle suspension to the axle housing. The axle housing includes a polygonal cross-section including obliquely orientated corner portions that extend between adjacent vertical and horizontal walls. The suspension bracket includes a base portion, a pair of bracket legs, and contact pads that extend between each bracket leg and the base portion. Each bracket leg engages a protruding portion that extends outwardly from one of the vertical walls. A pressure force is applied to secure the suspension bracket to the axle housing. The pressure force squeezes the suspension bracket around the axle housing to generate a clamp load. The clamp load is exerted by the contact pads against the corner portions of the axle housing. Fore/aft loading and torsional loading are transferred from the axle housing to the suspension bracket via the corner portions.