Front air spring suspension with leading arm trailing and v-link

Abstract

A suspension system for a vehicle frame from a steering axle has first and second controllable rate springs mounted above the steering axle and below the frame to support a portion of vehicle weight. A trailing V-link member is mounted to pivot on its vertex on a cross-member of the frame forward of the steering axle. The opposite ends of the V-link member are pivotally connected to opposing ends of the steering axle allowing the V-link member to constrain fore to aft movement of the steering axle, lateral displacement of the steering axle and frame roll. A pitman and trailing draglink from a steering gear on the frame to the steering axle controls steering. First and second shackle assemblies depend from the frame aft of the steering axle. First and second leading arms are suspended from the shackle assemblies to permit longitudinal translation of the first and second leading arms relative to the frame. The leading arms are rigidly connected to the opposing ends of the steering, axle to constrain rotation of the steering axle and the trailing V-link member about the vertex of the V-link member. Shock absorbers for damping motion between the steering axle and the frame are positioned adjacent the controllable rate springs.