Abstract: A lightweight vehicle suspension which is particularly useful for a drive axle uses A-shaped suspension members mounted vertically above the drive axle. The A-shaped members are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, and an apex of the a-shape is connected at a ball joint to the axle. A lower connecting rod set is also mounted beneath the drive axle. Preferably, there are two of the A-shaped members above the axle and two of the connecting rods below the axle. The overall combination provides a lightweight suspension system that will resist all forces on the axle.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis includes a right side air spring and a left side air spring. In the preferred embodiment leading rigid arms link each end of the steering axle to a pivoting mount on the chassis and transmits brake reaction torque as a lifting force to the chassis. Spring half leaf trailing links connect each end of the steering axle to the chassis, rigid leading arms provide anti-roll capacity as well as help in locating and stabilizing axle position.

Abstract: The invention provides a suspension system (10) for installation between a chassis having side rail members (14,16) and cross frame members (22,24,26) and an axle (18,20) of a vehicle. A step spring (36) is included having a forward generally horizontal section (38), a rearward generally horizontal section (42), and a generally vertical section (40) between and contiguous with the forward and rearward sections (38,42) and displacing the rearward section (42) below the forward section (38). The leading end of step spring (36) is pivotally attached to the chassis with a spring (68) extending between the chassis and the trailing end of step spring (36). Axle (18,20) is pivotally secured to a mounting (58,60) on forward generally horizontal section (38) with the pivot (56) above axle (18,20).

Abstract: An automotive suspension system for increasing roll safety adapted to restrict twist at a tip portion of a leaf spring when an automobile tilts to one direction to add the returning force of the leaf spring to that of the stabilizer, thereby significantly decreasing rolling of the body and effectively securing high safety, the system for generating twist when the car rolls around including: side frames arranged lengthwise at left and right sides of a body; leaf springs mounted to an axle via a U-bolt; and a stabilizer with both edges being mounted to ends of the axle to decrease rolling of the body; serration formed at an internal surface of a spring eye in the end of the leaf spring and at an outer surface of the spring pin for corresponding insertion; a hitching edge with its lower portion being protruded as the upper portion of the edge of the spring pin is eliminated in a semicircular shape; and an insertion hole formed with a stopper protruded toward the center from the upper portion to restrict rotation

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 in 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: 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: Wheel suspension for a vehicle, comprising a transverse spring means, and, on the respective right and left side of the vehicle, a mounted upper deflection limiting means that is provided with an engaging means for engaging the spring means. The spring means is suspended in spring seats, each comprising a lever.

Abstract: A spring movement limiting device that limits lateral shift of a spring in a vehicle suspension along a vehicle axle direction includes a first element and a second element. The first element is coupled to the axle and to the spring. The second element is separate from and engageable with the first element. The second element is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the vehicle axle. Engagement between the first element and the second element limits the first element and spring from movement in the vehicle axle direction.

Abstract: An improved self-powered or non-powered vehicle having a bed which is moveable between a transport position and a ground engaging loading position and in particular to a wheel assembly for such a vehicle. In one broad form the wheel assembly is connected to a u-shaped chassis, having two arms extending to the rear of the vehicle forming an opening therebetween. A trailing arm is pivotally suspended from a first end to one arm of the u-shaped chassis such that its other end extends towards the rear of the chassis. A wheel stub axle mounting is located at or adjacent to the other end of the trailing arm. A connection member is pivotally connected at one end to the trailing arm adjacent to the wheel stub axle mounting. A first bracket is pivotally connected to the other end of the connection member. A leaf spring is connected at or adjacent its middle to the first bracket.