A work vehicle according to the present invention includes left and right axle cases of a rigid axle type, and left and right suspension mechanisms movable in the up-down direction relative to body frames and separately supporting the left and right axle cases, respectively. The work vehicle also includes (i) a first projection projecting downward from the left or right one of the body frames, (ii) a second projection projecting upward from that position on either the left and right axle cases or a frame body integrated with the axle cases which is opposite to the first projection in the left-right direction, and (iii) a lateral rod having a first end connected with the first projection and a second end connected with the second projection.

A structural load path assembly includes an upper rail configured to be coupled to a suspension system, a lower rail spaced apart from the upper rail along a vertical direction, a first outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a second outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a first inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the first inner bracket is spaced apart from the first outer bracket along a horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction, a second inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower, and a box section sized to receive a shock absorber.

A spring hanger assembly may be formed pieces shaped to increase the stiffness and strength. The spring hanger assembly may comprise separate pieces, such as an inner section and an outer section. The spring hanger assembly may be attached to a frame using fasteners or hucks.

An axle assembly that includes first and second hanger brackets and at least one cross brace. The first and second hanger brackets may be spaced apart from each other and may be adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The cross brace may extend from the first hanger bracket to the second hanger bracket.

An adjustable floating traction bar is disclosed. The traction bar comprises a rigid body having a threaded portion on a first distal end to receive a threaded eyelet having a spherical joint to provide a connection point to an axle of a vehicle. The traction bar further comprises an opposing distal slip end being machined and fitted with a UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) polyethylene bushing that acts as a slip-joint the slip joint having a first end that mounts to the UHMW polyethylene bushing of the tubular body and an opposing end having an eyelet to provide a connection point to a vehicle frame. A two-stage nested coil spring located inside the slip end of the rigid body that rests against the slip joint end when it is inserted into rigid body. .

The present invention provides reinforcing braces that may be attached to the factory-supplied chassis mounts for the lower control arms of the steering knuckles of vehicles to reinforce and shield the mounts from objects below the vehicle that may be encountered when traveling through rugged terrain. The braces of the present invention are designed for the front and rear control arm mounts, each brace including a pair of parallel sturdy metal flanges that are generally perpendicularly attached to a sturdy metal lower base plate. Each flange is designed to be attached to one of the flanges of the factory-supplied chassis mounts, and has an opening therein for receiving mounting hardware and strengthening of the camber adjustment structures. The sturdy metal lower base plates may extend out and away from the flanges of the brackets to provide a lower shield to protect the chassis and mounting hardware from damage that may occur from contact with large objects that may be encountered below the vehicle. The front base plate may include an elongated section that extends toward the front of the vehicle to provide a shield for deflecting large objects as the vehicle moves forward.

The invention relates to a fastening element (100) for fastening a first component (6) to a second component (4). The fastening element (100) comprises a body (102), which comprises a first engagement portion (104) on a first side (106), wherein the first engagement portion (104) comprises either a recess or a projection for mating with a complimentary shaped engagement portion of the first component. The body (102) further comprises a first set of through holes (110) for receipt of fasteners, wherein the first set of through holes are positioned in such a way that the first engagement portion (104) of the body and the complimentary shaped engagement portion of the first component may be held against each other in an engaged state via the fasteners.

A suspension system for a rear axle of a vehicle provided with a frame equipped with at least two side members, the suspension system connecting the axle to said side members and comprising a left side and a right side, each comprising an axle-holder assembly, a bellows, a leaf spring, first and second bars, and a torsion bar interposed between said left and right sides. The aforementioned elements of the suspension system being arranged to provide a functional layout having reduced costs and overall dimensions.

An axle hanger includes a web, a first flange extending in a first direction perpendicular to the web, and a second flange extending in the first direction perpendicular to the web, spaced from and parallel to the first flange. A first return extends from the first flange toward the second flange parallel to the web, and a second return extends from the second flange toward the first flange parallel to the web. The axle hanger is easier to install and access in the event a hanger spring needs replacement, and the hanger can be more stably secured to the axle.

The present invention provides embodiments of modified upper and lower control arms for attachment to the steering knuckle that came with the vehicle, or for attachment to a modified steering knuckle of an embodiment of the invention, such that the steering knuckle, and in particular the wheel hub opening of the steering knuckle, are located at positions that are closer to the front of the vehicle than the positions provided by the control arms that came with the vehicle. The forward position of the wheel hub relative to the position provided by the factory or stock control arms moves the wheel and tire forward by the same distance, thereby allowing much larger wheels and tires to be mounted on the vehicle which do not rub against or interfere with the wheel well, fender or body mount, thereby increasing the approach angle of the vehicle for use in off-road climbing.