Abstract: A traction assist system for a vehicle having a tandem-axle system includes a drive axle and a non-drive axle attached to a suspension beam on opposite sides of a pivot about which the suspension beam is rotatable. A device selectively applies a force to the suspension beam on the side of the pivot at which the drive axle is attached, such that the suspension beam tends to rotate to provide a downward force on the drive axle. The device can also apply the downward force directly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A traction assist system for a vehicle having a tandem-axle system includes a drive axle and a non-drive axle attached to a suspension beam on opposite sides of a pivot about which the suspension beam is rotatable. A device selectively applies a force to the suspension beam on the side of the pivot at which the drive axle is attached, such that the suspension beam tends to rotate to provide a downward force on the drive axle. The device can also apply the downward force directly to the drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar pin attachment for bush assembly. The assembly comprises a longitudinally extending control arm, a bush eye clamp, and a hanger bracket. The control arm has a bush end, a mid-region, an axle mount formed opposite of the bush end. A bush, having an integral bar pin molded laterally therethrough, is inserted in the bush eye and retained therein. The hanger bracket is attached to, and depends from, the chassis and includes two spaced-apart, downward oriented flanges between which the bush eye clamp is positioned. The bush end is pivotally attached to the hanger by fastening the bar pin ends directly to each adjacent hanger flange.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for establishing a caster angle of a vehicle suspension system. The apparatus includes two air reservoirs, each reservoir having an extendable piston rod. The air reservoirs are juxtaposed, and are pivotally connected to a single bell crank. In particular, the bell crank is pivotally connected to each piston rod, and to a control arm of the vehicle suspension system for establishing the caster angle. Concerted pressurizing and exhausting of the air reservoirs extends and retracts the piston rods, causing the bell crank to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank induces movement of the control arm which translates into a rotation of an axle to a desired caster angle. In one embodiment, one air reservoir is a multi-chamber reservoir capable of doubling the force used to extend the piston rod, rotate the bell crank and adjust the caster angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar pin attachment for bush assembly. The assembly comprises a longitudinally extending control arm, a bush eye clamp, and a hanger bracket. The control arm has a bush end, a mid-region, an axle mount formed opposite of the bush end. A bush, having an integral bar pin molded laterally therethrough, is inserted in the bush eye and retained therein. The hanger bracket is attached to, and depends from, the chassis and includes two spaced-apart, downward oriented flanges between which the bush eye clamp is positioned. The bush end is pivotally attached to the hanger by fastening the bar pin ends directly to each adjacent hanger flange.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for establishing a caster angle of a vehicle suspension system. The apparatus includes two air reservoirs, each reservoir having an extendable piston rod. The air reservoirs are juxtaposed, and are pivotally connected to a single bell crank. In particular, the bell crank is pivotally connected to each piston rod, and to a control arm of the vehicle suspension system for establishing the caster angle. Concerted pressurizing and exhausting of the air reservoirs extends and retracts the piston rods, causing the bell crank to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank induces movement of the control arm which translates into a rotation of an axle to a desired caster angle. In one embodiment, one air reservoir is a multi-chamber reservoir capable of doubling the force used to extend the piston rod, rotate the bell crank and adjust the caster angle.

Abstract: A parallelogram suspension assembly for a vehicle with a brake port through the axle seat for positioning of brake components to maximize overall suspension clearance.

Abstract: Provided is an offset tandem axle assembly system with a pair of walking beams mounted to suspension hangers so that about sixty percent of the overall beam length is oriented between the hanger pivot and a non-driven axle and about forty percent of the overall beam length is oriented between the hanger pivot and the driven axle. A torque rod pivotally connects the non-driven axle to each suspension beam. A single resilient air spring mounted between the non-driven axle and each suspension beam dampens loading and rebound for both the driven and non-driven axles. The non-driven axle can be either a tag axle or a push axle and may be self steering.

Abstract: A parallelogram suspension assembly for a vehicle with a brake port through the axle seat for positioning of brake components to maximize overall suspension clearance.