A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle frame. The suspension system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The suspension system further includes a tension shackle pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame about an axis, the tension shackle defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the tension shackle, wherein the axis about which the tension shackle is pivotable is below the second end of the leaf spring.

A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle frame. The suspension system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The suspension system further includes a tension shackle pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame about an axis, the tension shackle defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the tension shackle, wherein the axis about which the tension shackle is pivotable is below the second end of the leaf spring.

A suspension for a vehicle may include: a center leaf spring; side leaf springs respectively installed on opposing sides of the center leaf spring; mounting brackets configured to connect the center leaf spring and the side leaf springs, respectively; and damper bushes mounted in the mounting brackets, respectively, and configured to absorb shock.

An equalizer includes a pivot arm pivotally connected between first and second spaced-apart plates fixedly connected to each other. First and second bump stops extend from one of the first and second plates to or toward the other of the first and second plates. A first shock absorber is disposed and selectively compressible between the pivot arm and the first bump stop. A second shock absorber is disposed and selectively compressible between the pivot arm and the second bump stop.

A wheel suspension arrangement is provided for a vehicle having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a vertical direction. The wheel suspension arrangement includes a wheel holder for supporting a vehicle wheel. A first vertical end region of the wheel holder is pivotally attached to a vehicle support structure by a rigid control arm and a second vertical end region of the wheel holder is attached to the vehicle support structure by a leaf spring. A longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is arranged substantially in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The leaf spring is pivotally attached to the vehicle support structure at a transverse centre region of the vehicle, and a centre of the leaf spring in the transverse direction is located vertically offset from a pivotal attachment location of the leaf spring. The pivotal attachment location of the leaf spring is vertically offset towards the side of the rigid control arm.

A suspension system allows travel of a sprung mass relative to an unsprung mass. A primary stage has a primary leaf attached between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass. An auxiliary stage has an auxiliary leaf operatively attached to either the primary stage or unsprung mass. A variable engagement bracket includes a mount point, attached to the sprung mass and defining an axis, and an offset arm extending from the mount point and rotatable about the axis. The offset arm contacts the auxiliary stage at a first point at a first travel of the suspension system and at a second point at a second travel. The first point provides or defines a maximum contact span and the second provides a minimum contact span, smaller than the maximum contact span, for the auxiliary stage.

A suspension system allows travel of a sprung mass relative to an unsprung mass. A primary stage has a primary leaf attached between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass. An auxiliary stage has an auxiliary leaf operatively attached to either the primary stage or unsprung mass. A variable engagement bracket includes a mount point, attached to the sprung mass and defining an axis, and an offset arm extending from the mount point and rotatable about the axis. The offset arm contacts the auxiliary stage at a first point at a first travel of the suspension system and at a second point at a second travel. The first point provides or defines a maximum contact span and the second provides a minimum contact span, smaller than the maximum contact span, for the auxiliary stage.

A connecting arrangement for a stabilizer of a vehicle, with at least one lever that extends transversely to a longitudinal direction. The lever has a bearing eye provided with a non-circular inner circumferential contour. A torsion-bar spring with a rotation axis extends in the longitudinal direction. The torsion-bar spring has an outer circumferential contour, at least at one end, that matches the inner circumferential contour of the bearing eye and which fits into the bearing eye. The wall of the bearing eye is cut through by at least one slit extending in the longitudinal direction, by which two opposite wall sections of the wall are separated from one another. The two wall sections are pressed against the non-circular outer circumferential contour of the torsion-bar spring by at least one releasable clamping element.

A systems and apparatus to decouple an axle and a leaf spring of a vehicle are disclosed herein. In some embodiment, the apparatus includes a spacer block. The spacer block has a main body having an upper surface and two opposing side surfaces with an opening formed in each of the two opposing side surfaces of the main body to form a passage through the main body. The spacer block allows the leaf spring to rotate independent of the axle.

A systems and apparatus to decouple an axle and a leaf spring of a vehicle are disclosed herein. In some embodiment, the apparatus includes a spacer block. The spacer block has a main body having an upper surface and two opposing side surfaces with an opening formed in each of the two opposing side surfaces of the main body to form a passage through the main body. The spacer block allows the leaf spring to rotate independent of the axle.