An independent suspension apparatus includes a cross beam mounted on two transversely spaced mounting elements of a trailer. Two axle frames are independently pivoted on the cross beam to extend longitudinally of the trailer to distal ends that support stub axles for mounting wheels thereon. A suspension element is supported on each axle frame to act between the axle frame and the trailer frame to support weight of the trailer thereon. Each axle frame is pivotally supported on the cross beam by two hinges, in which each hinge is laterally spaced from the other hinges. Optional adjustment assemblies of each hinge allow the axle frames to be adjustably aligned relative to the trailer frame. In one embodiment, an abutment member is cantilevered from the cross beam to support an upper end of the suspension element relative to the trailer frame.

An apparatus and methods are provided for a transmission for a rear mid-engine vehicle. The transmission comprises a power transfer portion for receiving torque from the engine and a gearbox for providing conversions of rotational speed and torque. First and second side output portions conduct torque from the gearbox to the rear wheels. A forward output portion conducts torque to front wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle. An air clutch comprising each output portion controls the degree of torque transferred to each wheel. The output portions are each coupled to a rear wheel by a rear axle, bevel gears, and rear portal gears. The rear axles are aligned with, and positioned above, the trailing arms to protect the rear axles from damage due to rocks and debris. The length and alignment of the rear axles cause CV joints to articulate in the same direction as the trailing arms.

A towable vehicle including a chassis, at least two wheels and a suspension assembly supporting each wheel. The suspension assembly includes a swing arm pivotally mounted to the chassis, an axle mounted proximate an end of the swing arm, the wheel being mounted on the axle, at least one shock absorber extending from the chassis to the swing arm, an airbag swing arm mounting pivotally coupled to the swing arm, an airbag chassis mounting coupled to the chassis, an airbag coupled to the airbag swing arm and airbag chassis mountings so that inflation of the airbag allows a suspension height to be adjusted over an operating range and a pivot arm pivotally mounted to the chassis and the airbag swing arm mounting to maintain an orientation of the airbag swing arm mounting over the operating range.

A towable vehicle including a chassis, at least two wheels and a suspension assembly supporting each wheel. The suspension assembly includes a swing arm pivotally mounted to the chassis, an axle mounted proximate an end of the swing arm, the wheel being mounted on the axle, at least one shock absorber extending from the chassis to the swing arm, an airbag swing arm mounting pivotally coupled to the swing arm, an airbag chassis mounting coupled to the chassis, an airbag coupled to the airbag swing arm and airbag chassis mountings so that inflation of the airbag allows a suspension height to be adjusted over an operating range and a pivot arm pivotally mounted to the chassis and the airbag swing arm mounting to maintain an orientation of the airbag swing arm mounting over the operating range.

Provided is a suspension device including a drive wheel, a first driven wheel that is disposed on one side in a front-rear direction with respect to the drive wheel, a second driven wheel that is disposed on the other side in the front-rear direction with respect to the drive wheel, a bogie link member that supports the drive wheel and the first driven wheel and is oscillatable around a first oscillation axis, and a rocker link member that supports the second driven wheel and the bogie link member and is oscillatable around a second oscillation axis. When viewed from a left-right direction, the first oscillation axis is not on the same vertical line as a rotation axis of the drive wheel and is located above the rotation axis in a vertical direction and located inside a contour of the drive wheel.

Provided is a suspension device including a drive wheel, a first driven wheel that is disposed on one side in a front-rear direction with respect to the drive wheel, a second driven wheel that is disposed on the other side in the front-rear direction with respect to the drive wheel, a bogie link member that supports the drive wheel and the first driven wheel and is oscillatable around a first oscillation axis, and a rocker link member that supports the second driven wheel and the bogie link member and is oscillatable around a second oscillation axis. When viewed from a left-right direction, the first oscillation axis is not on the same vertical line as a rotation axis of the drive wheel and is located above the rotation axis in a vertical direction and located inside a contour of the drive wheel.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The subframe assembly includes a crossmember, a straight arm, and a side bracket. The crossmember includes an end bracket disposed at an end thereof. The straight arm is received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember. The side bracket includes a base, and a rear bracket arm. The base is metallurgically bonded to a side of the straight arm adjacent to the end of the crossmember. The rear bracket arm extends from an end of the base and defines a hole adapted to receive a screw or pin for connecting a control arm of a wheel suspension to the subframe assembly. The rear bracket arm is at least partially received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember.

A subframe assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The subframe assembly includes a crossmember, a straight arm, and a side bracket. The crossmember includes an end bracket disposed at an end thereof. The straight arm is received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember. The side bracket includes a base, and a rear bracket arm. The base is metallurgically bonded to a side of the straight arm adjacent to the end of the crossmember. The rear bracket arm extends from an end of the base and defines a hole adapted to receive a screw or pin for connecting a control arm of a wheel suspension to the subframe assembly. The rear bracket arm is at least partially received into and metallurgically bonded to the end bracket of the crossmember.

A suspension system is disclosed utilizing oil addition and subtraction to actuate an accumulator to control position and stiffness in an Emulsion Shock/Oleo Pneumatic strut/Air spring strut. The strut maintains ride height for a wide variation in sprung mass and adjusts for the expansion/compression of the gas due to variations in temperature. The strut provides spring and damping characteristics.

A suspension axle for a farm equipment is provided. The suspension axle includes an axle beam having two ends. The two ends are configured to be simply supported to the farm equipment. The suspension axle also includes a first mounting arm coupled to the axle beam between the two ends and extending outwardly from the axle beam. The suspension axle also includes a first mounting bracket pivotably coupled to the first mounting arm at a first horizontal pivot axis. The suspension axle also includes a first suspension member coupled to at least one of the axle beam and the first mounting arm.