A rear subframe structure is provided with a rear subframe configured such that a front cross member, a rear cross member, a pair of left and right upper side members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right lower side members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected; and a vehicle-body mounting portion formed on each of both ends of the front cross member in the vehicle width direction, and on each of rear ends of the upper side members. The rear subframe further includes a lower-arm support portion formed on a lower lateral portion of the rear cross member, and a stabilizer support member for supporting a stabilizer. The rear cross member connects the upper side members and the lower side members in an up-down direction. The rear cross member includes an upper-surface rear-side projection portion projecting rearwardly. The stabilizer support member is mounted between the lower-arm support portion and the upper-surface rear-side projection portion of the rear cross member.

A cargo vehicle includes a composite floor assembly configured to support cargo, at least one wheel assembly configured to transport the cargo on the composite floor assembly, a suspension assembly associated with the at least one wheel assembly, and an intermediate adapter assembly. The intermediate adapter assembly is permanently coupled to the composite floor assembly and removably coupled to the suspension assembly such that the composite floor assembly is removably coupled to the suspension assembly.

A rear subframe structure is provided with a rear subframe configured such that a front cross member, a rear cross member, a pair of left and right upper side members, and a pair of left and right lower side members are connected; and a vehicle-body mounting portion formed on each of both ends of the front cross member, and on each of rear ends of the upper side members. The rear subframe further includes a lower-arm support portion formed on a lower lateral portion of the rear cross member, and a stabilizer support member for supporting a stabilizer. The rear cross member connects the upper side members and the lower side members. The rear cross member includes an upper-surface rear-side projection portion projecting rearwardly. The stabilizer support member is mounted between the lower-arm support portion and the upper-surface rear-side projection portion of the rear cross member.

A suspension member includes: a front frame including a front cross member extending in a vehicle width direction; a rear frame at least partially made of light metal and including a rear cross member extending in the vehicle width direction, the rear frame being placed on a vehicle rear side of the front frame and joined to the front frame; and a protective member joined to the rear cross member so as to form a closed section together with the rear cross member.

A front subframe structure includes front and rear cross members, a pair of left and right side members, and a vehicle body mounting portion disposed on front ends of the side members. The side member has a lateral widening portion at a front end thereof, wherein the lateral widening portion bulges outward in a vehicle width direction. The front cross member has a front widening portion at an end portion thereof in the vehicle width direction, wherein the front widening portion bulges forward of the vehicle. A portion of the front cross member excluding the front widening portion is disposed on the rear side with respect to the vehicle body mounting portion, and on the front side with respect to a rear end of the lateral widening portion.

A driven steerable suspension system is mounted to each of a vehicle frame and a pair of wheels of a vehicle. The system includes a subframe including first and second flanks for mounting along the vehicle frame. The system includes first and second suspension assemblies coupled to the first and second flanks, respectively. Each of the assemblies include a lower control arm extending between lower inboard and outboard joints, and an upper control arm extending between upper inboard and outboard joints. Each of the assemblies include a steering knuckle pivotally coupled to the lower outboard joint and the upper outboard joints. Each of the assemblies include a wheel hub rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle. Each of the assemblies include a dampened biasing member pivotally mounted to the subframe and the lower control arm. Each of the assemblies include a drive axle rotatably coupled with the wheel hub.

An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus (10) includes a housing (30) that operatively supports a ramp (34) in movable connection therewith. Opening an emergency exit door (18) of the bus causes a housing door (24) to open and the ramp to move outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening (16) closer to the ground (166).

A rear subframe structure is provided with a rear subframe configured such that a front cross member, a rear cross member, a pair of left and right upper side members, and a pair of left and right lower side members are connected; and a vehicle-body mounting portion formed on each of both ends of the front cross member, and on each of rear ends of the upper side members. The rear subframe further includes a vertical-wall-shaped pillar portion held and fixed between a lateral portion of the front cross member in the vehicle width direction and the upper side member, and extending in the vehicle width direction. A lower portion of the pillar portion is connected to the lower side member, an upper-arm support portion is formed on an upper portion of the pillar portion, and a lower-arm support portion is formed on a lower portion of the pillar portion.

A vehicle suspension having a first load-bearing component assembly and a second load-bearing component assembly. The first and second load bearing component assemblies are adapted to be transversely positioned across from each other on a vehicle chassis. Each load-bearing component assembly comprises a wheel hub, an upper control arm having an apex portion and a base portion, and a lower control arm having an apex portion and a base portion, and each wheel hub is supported between the apex portions of the upper control arm and the lower control arm of the respective load-bearing component assemblies. The base portion of each of the upper and lower control arms of the respective load-bearing component assemblies is adapted to be pivotally secured to a vehicle chassis to permit upward and downward vertical movement of each wheel hub, relative to a rest state, in response to load variations. A directionally-dependent heave spring assembly is adapted to be transversely secured to a vehicle chassis, the heave spring assembly is coupled to the first load-bearing component assembly and to the second load-bearing component assembly and exhibits resiliency in opposition to upward vertical movement of both wheel hub assemblies relative to their rest states, and exhibits substantially no resiliency in opposition to downward vertical movement of both wheel assemblies relative to their rest states.

A wheel alignment mechanism having a control arm connector, which is adapted for connection to a vehicle suspension control arm positioned between a vehicle chassis and a vehicle wheel, and which has an elongate portion; an inner support frame having a first surface and a second surface on a side of the inner support frame opposing the first surface, the elongate portion of the control arm connector positioned against the first surface at a select one of a first set of plural mounting locations on the first surface, with the first set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a first direction; and an outer support frame adapted to receive a wheel mounting, the connector having a third surface, the second surface of the inner support frame being positioned against the third surface at a select one of a second set of plural mounting locations on the third surface, and with the second set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. Means are provided for securing the control arm connector to the inner support frame and the inner support frame to the outer support frame.