Chrysler Corporation

Robert M Kuhn, Jr

Louis D DeLellis

A rack and pinion steering system for a sport utility vehicle having a solid front axle includes a pinion gear connected to the steering column of the vehicle and a rack gear meshed with the pinion gear. A coupling segment is moved by the engagement segment, and an arm is connected to the coupling segment. A drag link in turn is connected to the arm and is coupled to a first front wheel of the vehicle. Also, a tie rod couples the first front wheel to the second front wheel of the vehicle. With this structure, rotation of the pinion gear by the steering column causes the rack gear and arm to move translationally, thereby moving the drag link to turn the first front wheel. The first front wheel cooperates with the tie rod to simultaneously turn the second front wheel.

Rack and pinion steering system for solid front axle

A vehicle wheel suspension for steerable drive wheels has a wheel carrier with a tie rod to steer a wheel. A strut assembly is present which is coupled with a mounting member. A lower arm, which has two legs, each leg having an end to be coupled with the chassis, includes one of the legs coupled to the mounting member. Another end of the lower arm is coupled with the wheel carrier. An upper arm, which has two legs, each leg having an end coupled with the mounting member, includes one of its ends coupled with the wheel carrier. The wheel suspension improves tire wear and handling of the vehicle.

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Temperance, MI, United States of America

Robert M Kuhn, Jr