Adjustable vehicle suspension link systems suitable for connecting a first component to a second component in a vehicle suspension may include an outer assembly. An outer assembly connecting joint may be provided on the outer assembly. The outer assembly connecting joint may be configured for coupling to the first component of the vehicle suspension. An inner assembly may be disposed at least partially inside and in length-adjustable and securable relationship to the outer assembly. An inner assembly connecting joint may be provided on the inner assembly. The inner assembly connecting joint may be configured for coupling to the second component of the vehicle suspension. Adjustable vehicle suspension link methods are also disclosed.

A frame, in particular of a universal carrier, which &includes a chassis of the frame, a left axle with two portal suspensions at the ends of the left axle, a right axle with two portal suspensions at the ends of the right axle, and the double-sided stabilizing lever. The double-sided stabilizing lever is pivotally mounted on the chassis of the frame in the transverse direction. The axles are pivotally mounted on the chassis of the frame in the longitudinal direction. The double-sided stabilizing lever is connected to the left axle and the right axle and is arranged between them transversely.

The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.

A four-wheeled vehicle includes: a frame; two front suspension assemblies and two rear suspension assemblies connected to the frame; two front wheels operatively connected to corresponding ones of the two front suspension assemblies; two rear wheels operatively connected to corresponding ones of the two rear suspension assemblies; a motor connected to the frame; a front differential and a rear differential operatively connecting the motor to the two front wheels and the two rear wheels respectively; and a steering system. The steering system includes a front steering assembly for steering the front wheels and a rear steering assembly for steering the rear wheels. The front steering assembly includes a user-operated steering input device. The rear steering assembly includes an actuator operatively connected to the rear wheels and operable to modify a steering angle thereof. The actuator is mounted to the frame and is disposed completely rearward of the rear differential.

An off-road vehicle includes a frame, a front suspension, and a rear suspension. In some examples of the off-road vehicle, the rear suspension includes trailing arms with are pivotally attached to the frame rearward of an operator area. Further, the frame can include a front subframe assembly and a rear subframe assembly which are easily removable from the main frame of the vehicle to permit access to various components of the off-road vehicle.

An apparatus and a method are provided for an offset tie rod joint for vehicle steering systems. The offset tie rod joint comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing that is disposed in an opening of an offset housing. A threaded shank fixedly coupled with the offset housing is received by a steering rod. The opening is displaced from a longitudinal axis of the threaded shank by a distance that provides clearance between the offset housing and a spindle assembly during articulation of the spindle assembly during steering. A rear backstop and a front snap-ring in a groove retain the casing within the opening. A bore extending through the ball receives a bolt that fixates the ball between parallel prongs of the spindle assembly. A misalignment spacer on each side of the ball provides clearance for rotation of the ball within the offset housing.

A multi-purpose shock absorber for a vehicle suspension having an absorber body with an outer surface, and a movable piston having a first end disposed within the absorber body and a second end configured to couple with a part of the vehicle. There is a magnet assembly disposed around and external of the movable piston at the second end. The absorber has a sensor assembly having a sensor body coupled with the outer surface. An inner sensor body has a sensor disposed therein configured to detect a linear change in a position of the magnet assembly.

A shock absorber for damping movement of a wheel suspension system of a vehicle can include a damper tube, a piston, a damping adjustment assembly, and a protective cover. The damper tube can contain a fluid. The piston can be located in the damper tube so as to accommodate relative movement between the damper tube and the piston. The damping adjustment assembly can be connected to the damper tube, and can include a reservoir, a solenoid valve, and a wire harness connection. The solenoid valve can be in fluid communication with each of the reservoir and the damper tube and configured to selectively open and close fluid communication between the reservoir and the damper tube. The wire harness connection can be in electrical communication with the solenoid valve. The protective cover can contain the wire harness connection.

An apparatus and a method are provided for an offset tie rod joint for vehicle steering systems. The offset tie rod joint comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing that is disposed in an opening of an offset housing. A threaded shank fixedly coupled with the offset housing is received by a steering rod. The opening is displaced from a longitudinal axis of the threaded shank by a distance that provides clearance between the offset housing and a spindle assembly during articulation of the spindle assembly during steering. A rear backstop and a front snap-ring in a groove retain the casing within the opening. A bore extending through the ball receives a bolt that fixates the ball between parallel prongs of the spindle assembly. A misalignment spacer on each side of the ball provides clearance for rotation of the ball within the offset housing.

A steering and suspension assembly for the rear wheels of an off-road vehicle includes: a) a first suspension component; b) a first steering component; c) a CV axle; d) a portal box assembly; e) a hydraulic steering assembly for moving the first steering component a distance effective to turn the vehicle at least 2° in either direction when the assembly is mounted to a wheel hub; f) a first suspension connection bracket for connecting the first suspension component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly; and g) a first steering connection bracket for connecting the first steering component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly. The portal box assembly includes: i) a housing having a rear wall, a front wall, and a side wall, wherein the rear wall includes a vehicle axle opening effective to receive the end of said CV axle, and wherein the front wall includes an output shaft opening effective to allow an output shaft to extend outward from the housing; ii) a linking mechanism housed in the housing and effective for linking a CV axle received in the vehicle axle opening to an output shaft; and iii) an output shaft operably connectable via the linking mechanism to the CV axle, and effective to rotate upon rotation of the stock axle.