Suspension system with improved beam

Abstract

A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets and a pair of beams. A first end of each beam is pivotally attached to each hanger bracket, and an axle is rigidly attached to the second end of each beam. A tri-functional bushing is positioned at each pivot to provide a horizontal spring rate different from the vertical spring rate. Each beam is formed with a top section and a bottom section which are joined along the longitudinal axis. Both the top section and bottom section are formed with axle recesses complementary related to a portion of the axle. Each axle recess is formed with a trailing edge positioned on either side of a arcuate section of the axle. In one embodiment, a rear plate extends downwardly from the top section adjacent the front of the axle and is welded thereto. In another embodiment, a half sleeve is positioned circumferentially around a front portion of the axle and is complementary related to the axle recesses of the top section and the bottom section. In this embodiment, a portion of the half sleeve adjacent the neutral axis is removed, and a plug weld is positioned therein to secure the half sleeve to the axle and a weld bead is provided circumferentially around the half sleeve adjacent the axle recesses formed in the top section and bottom section to secure the trailing beam to the half sleeve.