Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

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.

Disclosed herein is a report on a drivetrain specifically designed to operate in conjunction with the Extreme-Travel Independent Suspension System. In a prior disclosure, we introduced a drivetrain concept derived from the unique configuration of the suspension system. The concept defines several elements, one element is a gearbox that is fabricated into the frame, the gearbox being called the reverse power coupler. Other elements of the concept include a differential mounted offset power coupler and differential housing assemblies. The drivetrain cooperates with the suspension configuration of upper and lower leading and trailing links thereby retaining the suspension system's fundamental properties--handling quality like a double A-arm independent suspension system and travel and articulation capabilities similar to Ford's Twin I-Beam front suspension system. This report integrates the elements introduced in the prior disclosure with novel mechanistic features of the drivetrain. The features concentrate on the means by which power is transmitted from a differential housing to the wheels. Included in the features are the operations of the elements and the association of the elements with short and long axle shafts. The axle shafts serve as the principle conduits for transmitting power from one element to another.

A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Disclosed herein is a novel chassis design that is functionally identical to the chassis represented in the U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/059,062, 14/087,552, and 14/246,108. Based on a ladder-type structure representative of one ordinarily designed for a utility vehicle or truck, the novel chassis includes a frame that is constructed with a low slung middle section and high arched front and rear sections. This way, the powertrain is located in the middle section at the same level as are the suspension control link frame mounting points. In contrast, the powertrain in the chassis represented by the cited applications is located above the suspension control link frame mounting points. Since the powertrain directly impacts the center of gravity and since the suspension control link frame mounting points are located at the lowest level of the frame in both the present invention and cited applications, then the present invention improves upon the handling characteristics of the chassis associated with the cited applications by lowering the center of gravity while preserving ground clearance.

A utility vehicle includes a rear suspension assembly which has a trailing arm generally extending longitudinally. Also, the rear suspension assembly includes an upper radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to a centerline of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear suspension assembly includes a lower radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly further includes a suspension member configured to control toe of the at least one rear ground-engaging member.

A utility vehicle includes a rear suspension assembly which has a trailing arm generally extending longitudinally. Also, the rear suspension assembly includes an upper radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to a centerline of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear suspension assembly includes a lower radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly further includes a suspension member configured to control toe of the at least one rear ground-engaging member.

A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

A utility vehicle including a frame, a body supported by the frame, a seating area supported by the frame, front and rear ground engaging members supporting the frame and the body, and a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear ground engaging members. The powertrain includes a transmission and an engine having a plurality of cylinders. The engine includes an intake manifold, a throttle valve, and an exhaust. The intake manifold and throttle valve are positioned longitudinally forward of the plurality of cylinders and the exhaust is positioned longitudinally rearward of a forwardmost portion of the plurality of cylinders.