Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for a vehicle including a leaf spring element having a substantially longitudinal configuration. Also included is a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element. Further included is a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element.

Abstract: This invention relates to central hanger brackets and equalizers for tandem suspension, used in trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, provided with spring pack arranged on the axles of the vehicle comprising an equalizer, provided with an intermediate area located in the upper part of the body, said area coupling to a surface arranged in the central hanger bracket. The set promotes a structural arrangement that allows the articulation of said equalizer, and eliminates the use of fixing pins, bushings or screws to attach said set to said central hanger bracket, in order to simplify the system and reduce the number of components, providing better conditions for the durability and maintenance of the suspension and thus reducing the operating cost and the cost of the product itself.

Abstract: A motor vehicle arrangement, a motor vehicle and a connecting body for a motor vehicle. A leaf spring is configured to provide suspension of the motor vehicle, and an elastic connecting body is connected to the leaf spring, the elastic connecting body including a device configured to provide a rigid connection to a frame of the motor vehicle, a first elastic connecting body section and a second elastic connecting body section which are inclined with respect to one another and at least partially spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for a vehicle including a leaf spring element having a substantially longitudinal configuration. Also included is a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element. Further included is a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element.

Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.

Abstract: A suspension system suspends an axle from a vehicle undercarriage. A mounting mounts a trailing arm for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis passing through a proximal end of the trailing arm perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel while the vehicle is being steered in a straight line. An air spring is disposed between the undercarriage and a distal end of the trailing arm. A fastening holds fast together the middle of a resiliently flexible locating strap, the middle of the trailing arm, and the axle. A front locating bracket and a rear locating bracket fastened to the undercarriage respectively locate the front end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots and the rear end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots.

Abstract: A suspension device having a leaf spring and a piston-cylinder unit. The leaf spring has a first end that is movably attached to a frame and a second end pivotally attached to the piston-cylinder unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder unit is pivotally attached to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle of the type having a chassis rail and a longitudinal axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail has a primary spring with a predetermined resilience characteristic coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and to the longitudinal axle. A primary leaf spring is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle at first and second ends, and an axle coupler portion is arranged intermediate of the first and second ends. A secondary leaf spring has a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis of the vehicle, and a second end for coupling to the axle. A deflection limiting element is coupled to a selectable one of the primary and secondary leaf springs for controlling a distance therebetween. The deflection limiting element is configured as a J-shaped spring element.

Abstract: A suspension device having a leaf spring and a piston-cylinder unit. The leaf spring has a first end that is movably attached to a frame and a second end pivotally attached to the piston-cylinder unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder unit is pivotally attached to the frame.

Abstract: An independent suspension assembly having a wheel support member and upper and lower control arms that is well adapted for use with the front steerable wheels of a large truck. The upper and lower control arms are each pivotally secured to the wheel support member at a first location on the control arm and pivotally supported relative to the frame at a second location on the control arm. The wheel support member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame by pivotal movement of the upper and lower control arms relative to both the frame and wheel support member. A leaf spring and an air spring may be positioned between the lower control arm and frame to communicate loads therebetween. A vertically extending linkage member may be disposed between the lower control arm and frame. The lower control arm may extend across the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle below the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension arrangement for a vehicle of the type having a chassis rail and a longitudinal axle arranged substantially orthogonal to the chassis rail has a primary spring with a predetermined resilience characteristic coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and to the longitudinal axle. A primary leaf spring is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle at first and second ends, and an axle coupler portion is arranged intermediate of the first and second ends. A secondary leaf spring has a first end for pivotally coupling to the chassis of the vehicle, and a second end for coupling to the axle. A deflection limiting element is coupled to a selectable one of the primary and secondary leaf springs for controlling a distance therebetween. The deflection limiting element is configured as a J-shaped spring element.

Abstract: A tandem suspension for connecting a vehicle chassis to front and rear steerable axles is provided. The tandem suspension includes, on each side of the vehicle, a front leaf spring linking the chassis and the front axle, a rear leaf spring linking the chassis and the rear axle, an equalizer assembly mounted to the chassis for equalizing the front and rear axles, a front air spring disposed between the chassis and the front axle, a rear air spring disposed between the chassis and the rear axle, and a pneumatic control system pneumatically linked to the front and rear air springs for supplying pressurised gas thereto and operable to unload one of the front and rear air springs. A method of installing a tandem suspension in a vehicle having a first steerable axle and a front leaf spring is also provided.

Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.

Abstract: A suspension system including a vehicle chassis, first and second axles and first and second longitudinal assemblies. The longitudinal assemblies include leaf springs secured relative to both of the axles. Air springs are positioned between the longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis. First and second lift limiting members limit the vertical separation between the first and second longitudinal assemblies and the vehicle chassis within a respective limited range having a predetermined maximum limit. The suspension system also includes first and second spring members coupled with the first and second longitudinal assemblies. The spring members exert a biasing force respectively urging the longitudinal assemblies away from the vehicle chassis for only a part of the limited ranges of vertical separation between the longitudinal members and the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic lifting of a trailer frame upon failure of the leaf spring support comprising a housing including a first housing element and a second housing element, wherein the second housing element is positioned within and slidably coupled to the first housing element forming the housing; an air bag lifting device positioned within the housing, wherein upon actuation the lifting device exerts force to maintain a distance between the first housing element and the second housing element; and a trigger device coupled to the lifting device wherein the lifting device is actuated by the trigger device.

Abstract: A suspension that has particular application for a front axle of a heavy vehicle includes suspension arms that are better able to withstand increased brake torques that are expected to soon be mandated in heavy vehicles. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a vehicle frame, and rigidly secured to an axle. By utilizing the plurality of arms, simple spring elements are better able to withstand the increased brake torques.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes first and second ends that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. A resilient element is attached to at least one of the first and second ends. The resilient element includes at least one hole that receives a connecting element. The resilient element and the connecting element cooperate to attach the leaf spring to a vehicle structure. In one example, the resilient element comprises a rubber block that is bonded to the leaf spring. In another example, the resilient element comprises a longitudinally orientated bushing that is inserted through a thickness of the leaf spring.

Abstract: An independent suspension system for a wheeled vehicle includes a modified shock absorber, a leaf spring, and a wheel carrier. The shock absorber includes a cylinder, and a rod passing through the cylinder. The shock absorber is vertically mounted in a condition where the ends of the rod are coupled to the vehicle body. The cylinder of the shock absorber is coupled to the wheel carrier. The leaf spring supports the wheel carrier against rotation on a vertical axis of the vehicle. The leaf spring is elastically twisted to cancel a moment that causes a friction within the shock absorber.

Abstract: A rear axle suspension for a highway truck that includes a pair of trailing arms suspended below a frame by a pair of hanger brackets. The hanger brackets define a pivot axis for the trailing arms. A supplemental axle locating member is attached to the axle and includes an extension member that is engageable with a bracket held by the frame. The hanger brackets are laterally compliant and each comprise an inner and outer plate, one of which is bent outwardly to define a gap within which an associated trailing arm is mounted. A moment canceling member extends between the hanger brackets and resists outward bending of the brackets. A height control valve is operated by an operating rod having an axis that passes through, or in close proximity, to the roll center of the vehicle in order to reduce ride height errors.

Abstract: An air spring and a linear guide are used to boost the effectiveness of a leaf spring suspension system for a motor vehicle. The air spring mounts between the axle and the vehicle frame. The aft end of the leaf spring mounts to the linear guide to allow the leaf spring to move vertically as well as front and back while restricting side-to-side movement. The air spring and linear guide can be added during vehicle assembly or afterward from an aftermarket kit of parts.

Abstract: A one-piece leaf spring retaining bracket may be welded to a longitudinal member of a vehicle frame. The leaf spring retaining bracket is symmetrical along two planes, and the same bracket may be used on either side of the vehicle frame. The bracket has an upper section with a curved or arced surface, and first and second downwardly extending walls between which the end of a leaf spring may be pivotally supported.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.

Abstract: A pressure controller device having a body with an interior and a plug penetrated by, preferably, a plurality of micro-apertures, disposed in the interior of the body is connected between an air bellows of a vehicle air spring or suspension stabilization system and an air supply line supplying compressed air to the air bellows from an air supply, to temporarily isolate the air bellows from the air supply during the critical milliseconds available for effectively counteracting vehicle and suspension movements, without isolating the air bellows for purposes of adjusting initial pressures and/or load balancing. The pressure controller device of the invention delays air exchange between the air bellows and the air supply system so as to force the air bellows to control itself and provide the immediate response necessary for most effective vehicle stabilization.

Abstract: A suspension (14) for coupling a steer axle assembly (12) to a vehicle frame (10) is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly, increased roll stability for the vehicle and a reduction in axle wind-up during brakingcall without interfering with vertical displacement of the axle assembly. The suspension includes leaf springs (44) disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle, each of which is coupled to the vehicle frame at first and second ends (64, 66) and to an axle beam (28) intermediate the first and second ends. The suspension also includes first and second arms (50, 150), each of which is pivotally coupled to the axle beam at a first end (70, 170) and to the vehicle frame at a second end (68, 168) proximate one of the ends of a corresponding leaf spring. The suspension may further include a torsion bar (52) extending between and coupled to the first and second arms.

Abstract: In order to provide a suspension which is inexpensive and light in weight and which can attain substantially improved vehicle-riding comfort without lowering drivability, an axle is hanged from a chassis side (side rails) by resilient supports (leaf and air springs) with different spring characteristics arranged forwards and rearwards of the axle. The axle 1 is allowed to make rolling motion due to difference in spring characteristic between the forward and rearward resilient supports.

Abstract: Disclosed are a stabilizer with conventionally unattainable, extreme swift effectiveness and an air leaf suspension using the stabilizer. The stabilizer has a stabilizer bar 18 which is U-shaped when seeing from above and which has a portion 18a laterally extending along and rotatably connected to an axle 3, and a pair of upwardly convergent stabilizer links 19 which connect opposite longitudinally extending ends of the stabilizer bar to a chassis frame side above them.

Abstract: A supplemental suspension system for a vehicle having a rear axle and a leaf spring suspension system including a pair of leaf springs mounted over respective ends of the rear axle, the supplemental suspension system including a lower support member which is positioned above the rear axle, which extends between respective leaf springs of the pair of leaf springs, and which is fixedly mounted to respective leaf springs of the pair of leaf springs; and a plurality of spring assemblies which are mounted above the rear axle, each spring assembly of the plurality of spring assemblies being composed of, in combination, a coil spring and an air spring arranged around a common central axis and attached by a retainer, wherein the plurality of spring assemblies are supported by the lower support member.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for vehicles that includes leaf spring assemblies mounted in pairs on each side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and also at least one damper device mounted on the vehicle in conjunction with at least one wheel axle. The wheel suspension also has a central section of each leaf spring assembly which is mounted rotatably relative to an attachment device fixed to the vehicle, the ends of each leaf spring assembly being attached movably relative to the vehicle, where at least one of the ends of each leaf spring assembly supports a wheel axle and a damper device.

Abstract: A low part count, light weight, low-rise air leaf suspension system is provided. One end of the leaf spring has a formed eye pivotally mounted by a pin to a lightweight bracket mounted to the vehicle frame. The leaf spring is tapered toward the ends to reduce weight. Light weight clamping blocks attach an axle to a central portion of the leaf spring. The other end of the leaf spring is curved down and laterally inward so that the end of the leaf spring is positioned directly underneath the vehicle frame and the air spring may be connected directly between the leaf spring and frame.

Abstract: An air suspension anti-roll stabilization system includes air suspension devices, such as at least one pair of air bags air spring mounted upon an axle via leaf spring suspension arms of an associated vehicle on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with the axle being located at least partially with respect to the frame or chassis of the vehicle by means of a pair of leaf spring arms which are located on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal vehicle axis and of which each has one end mounted pivotally to the vehicle frame or chassis, wherein anti-roll means is connected rigidly between the pair of longitudinal leaf spring suspension arms.

Abstract: An air spring suspension for a rear axle of truck is stabilized using a trailing link constructed from a hollow, rectangular tube. The air spring is positioned between a portion of the trailing link extending beyond the rear axle and turning inwardly on the vehicle and the frame rails of the truck's chassis. An auxiliary spring is provided by a half leaf mounting beneath the trailing link. The suspension can provide cornering stabilization by providing a connecting link between the ends of the trailing links.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided that includes a frame and pair of laterally spaced apart upper control arms pivotally supported by the frame at pivotal connections. A knuckle is connected to each of the upper control arms. A leaf spring is connected to the lower portion of the knuckles at pivotal connections and serves as the lower control arms. The upper control arms extend away from the knuckles, and air springs are arranged between the upper control arms and the frame. A pressurized air system is connected to the air springs to control the air springs for providing desired ride characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension has axle end portions each pivotally coupled to an associated leaf spring and thereby to an associated supporting vehicle frame rail. Control rods are pivotally coupled to the axle at locations below the leaf spring pivots. Desirably, one of such control rods is pivoted to the axle at a location above the wheel axis and the other of such control rods is pivotally coupled to the axle at a location below the wheel axis. A steering mechanism for steering the steerable wheels of a tandem axle includes first and second steering gears mounted to a common frame rail and driven by a single mechanical coupling such as a T-miter box. These steering gears may control respective steering gears at the opposite side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a flexible-bladder air spring to a mounting plate. A first end-plate of a flexible-bladder air spring has a retention projection fixedly attached to it and the retention projection defines a retention recess into itself in directions parallel to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring. A mounting plate is abutted against the first end-plate and the retention projection mounted to the first end-plate is disposed within a projection recess defined in the mounting plate. A retention pin extends through a pin recess defined through the mounting plate and the retention pin extends into the retention recess defined by the retention projection attached to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.

Abstract: A novel suspension-system for a vehicle has two or more leaf-spring groups that vertically support a portion of the weight of a suspended structure of the vehicle. The novel suspension-system further includes pneumatic springs that are engaged to spring-support components of the novel suspension-system and also the suspended structure supported by the novel suspension-system in such a manner that the pneumatic springs assist the leaf-spring groups of the novel suspension system in vertically supporting the weight of the suspended structure.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a flexible-bladder air spring to a mounting plate. A first end-plate of a flexible-bladder air spring has a retention projection fixedly attached to it and the retention projection defines a retention recess into itself in directions parallel to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring. A mounting plate is abutted against the first end-plate and the retention projection mounted to the first end-plate is disposed within a projection recess defined in the mounting plate. A retention pin extends through a pin recess defined through the mounting plate and the retention pin extends into the retention recess defined by the retention projection attached to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring.

Abstract: A shackle assembly is shown to include a shackle bracket, wear pads, a shackle stop, shackle plates and elastomer bushings. The shackle bracket includes legs forming portions thereof, which serve as contact surfaces for the wear pads and the shackle plates. By providing conical and lateral stiffness, the shackle bracket legs allow for the use of a more versatile elastomer bushing. The elastomer bushing preferably includes voids vertically separated with respect to each other and the elastomer layer preferably is in the form of a bowtie-shaped configuration, which enhances vertical, conical and torsional performance. A first redundancy feature is in the form of a shackle stop secured between the shackle plates. The shackle stop provides longitudinal control of the axle in the event the opposite limb of the leaf spring is broken, the vehicle is generally traveling in a given direction and the vehicle is subject to deceleration.

Abstract: An air spring suspension for a rear axle of truck is stabilized using a trailing link constructed from a hollow, rectangular tube. The air spring is positioned between a portion of the trailing link extending beyond the rear axle and turning inwardly on the vehicle and the frame rails of the truck's chassis. An auxiliary spring is provided by a half leaf mounting beneath the trailing link. The suspension can provide cornering stabilization by providing a connecting link between the ends of the trailing links.

Abstract: A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),

Abstract: A front suspension assembly is mountable to a longitudinally extending frame of a truck and includes a pair leaf springs mounted on opposite sides of the frame of the truck at the front, such leaf springs extending backwardly from the front of the truck, a pair of vertically disposed guides extending downwardly from the frame and providing an aperture though which a leaf spring runs, a pair of shock absorbers extending downwardly from the frame of the truck to below the leaf springs and supporting the leaf springs, and a pair of air cushion assemblies each having a bottom attached to the top of the back of one of the leaf springs and a top attached to the frame of the truck.

Abstract: An air suspension system mountable on the axle of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The suspension system includes an air spring, a pusher torque rod and a lever arm. The torque rod has one end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other end affixed to the axle housing to control movement of the axle housing in an arcuate path. The lever arm has an end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other shiftably and slidably supported on an axle bracket. The air spring is mounted on the lever arm to provide load support to the chassis. The shock absorbers for the vehicle are controlled from the same air pressure source as the air spring.

Abstract: A front suspension assembly is mountable to a longitudinally extending frame of a truck and includes a pair leaf springs mounted on opposite sides of the frame of the truck at the front, such leaf springs extending backwardly from the front of the truck, a pair of vertically disposed guides extending downwardly from the frame and providing an aperture though which a leaf spring runs, a pair of shock absorbers extending downwardly from the frame of the truck to below the leaf springs and supporting the leaf springs, and a pair of air cushion assemblies each having a bottom attached to the top of the back of one of the leaf springs and a top attached to the frame of the truck.

Abstract: A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area.

Abstract: A suspension system incldes first and second frame hangers mounted to the supported frame member. A single-leaf proximal end. The eye is pivotally connected to the frame member at the first frame hanger and the distal end portion of the leaf spring is connected to the frame member at the second frame hanger. A leaf spring attachment part mounts to the distal end portion of the leaf spring and connects it with the second frame hanger. The leaf spring attachment part includes a sleeve having an axially extending bore. The sleeve is sized and shaped to accommodate a rod, such as a pin or pivot bolt, to connect the distal end portion of the leaf spring and the leaf spring attachment part with the second frame hanger. When it is so connected, the leaf spring attachment part restricts the movement of the leaf spring to be controlled range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for a light duty trailer which includes a pair of modules. Each module is provided on an end of the axle and includes a spring member, a tower for connecting a front end of the spring member to an underside of the light duty trailer, an air spring connected between the underside of the light duty trailer and the spring member, and a limiting assembly for connecting a rear end of the spring member to the underside of the light duty trailer. In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the spring member remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If a bump is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring compresses. If a rut is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves downwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring expands.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems includes a full-leaf leaf spring component and a half-leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound.

Abstract: An air suspension system mountable on the axle of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The suspension system includes an air spring, a pusher torque rod and a lever arm. The torque rod has one end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other end affixed to the axle housing to control movement of the axle housing in an arcuate path. The lever arm has an end pivotably affixed to the chassis and its other shiftably and slidably supported on an axle bracket. The air spring is mounted on the lever arm to provide load support to the chassis. The shock absorbers for the vehicle are controlled from the same air pressure source as the air spring.