A suspension system for a vehicle and method for operating the same includes a shock absorber housing having a longitudinal axis, a spring disposed around the shock absorber housing, a retainer collar disposed around the shock absorber housing and an actuator engaged to the retainer collar. The actuator moves at least a portion of the retainer collar to move the spring in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis. A switch generates a ride height position signal. A controller is coupled to the actuator and the switch. The controller controls a position of the actuator in response to the ride height position signal.

A suspension system for a vehicle and method for operating the same includes a shock absorber housing having a longitudinal axis, a spring disposed around the shock absorber housing and a retainer collar disposed around the shock absorber housing. An actuator coupled to the retainer housing moves at least a portion of the retainer housing to move the spring in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis.

A suspension system for a vehicle and method for operating the same includes a shock absorber housing having a longitudinal axis, a spring disposed around the shock absorber housing and a retainer collar disposed around the shock absorber housing. An actuator coupled to the retainer housing moves at least a portion of the retainer housing to move the spring in a direction corresponding the longitudinal axis.

A longitudinal leaf spring device for suspending a motor vehicle body or chassis on a vehicle axle thereof. Leaf spring device including an elongated leaf spring unit, a coupling device connecting the leaf spring unit to the vehicle axle, and suspension unit arranged in a substantially vertical direction between a chassis and the axle. The suspension unit including suspension elements providing a spring-back force in the vertical direction and producing an active connection between the chassis and the axle when the distance between the chassis and axle exceeds a predetermined first deflection depth.

An air spring includes a closing member, a rolling piston, and an air spring bellows connected to the rolling piston and the closing member to form a fluid-filled pressure chamber. A level control system for supplying and/or discharging fluid may be integrated into the pressure chamber to control level position based on air spring stroke. The level control system may have a control valve and an actuator connected to the control valve. The actuator may include a guide tube coupled to the rolling piston or closing member, and movably arranged within the pressure chamber. An actuating member may include a pin member and may operate the control valve. A compression spring may have a central spring and a biasing spring, and the guide tube may include a control flange coupled to the pin member, and the biasing spring may be supported to press the pin member against the control valve.

An air spring includes a closing member, a rolling piston, and an air spring bellows connected to the rolling piston and the closing member to form a fluid-filled pressure chamber. A level control system for supplying and/or discharging fluid may be integrated into the pressure chamber to control level position based on air spring stroke. The level control system may have a control valve and an actuator connected to the control valve. The actuator may include a guide tube coupled to the rolling piston or closing member, and movably arranged within the pressure chamber. An actuating member may include a pin member and may operate the control valve. A compression spring may have a central spring and a biasing spring, and the guide tube may include a control flange coupled to the pin member, and the biasing spring may be supported to press the pin member against the control valve.

A suspension structure of a utility vehicle includes: a shock absorber; a knuckle; and an upper arm and a lower arm which connects the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein a recessed portion which is recessed downward is formed on the upper arm, and a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by the recessed portion.

A suspension structure of a utility vehicle includes: a shock absorber; a knuckle; and an upper arm and a lower arm which connects the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein a recessed portion which is recessed downward is formed on the upper arm, and a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by the recessed portion.

A method for forming an air spring for a vehicle including a frame coupled to the air spring includes heating an elastomeric base material to a melting point of the elastomeric base material, thereby forming a melted elastomeric base material, forming a sleeve from the melted elastomeric base material, the sleeve being substantially free of textile reinforcing fibers, and engaging the sleeve with end components, the sleeve and the end components defining a deformable pressure vessel, where the deformable pressure vessel supplies a supporting force.

A method for forming an air spring for a vehicle including a frame coupled to the air spring includes heating an elastomeric base material to a melting point of the elastomeric base material, thereby forming a melted elastomeric base material, forming a sleeve from the melted elastomeric base material, the sleeve being substantially free of textile reinforcing fibers, and engaging the sleeve with end components, the sleeve and the end components defining a deformable pressure vessel, where the deformable pressure vessel supplies a supporting force.