Device for connecting suspension system components for axle housing

Abstract

An axle connection device designed to be welded to an axle housing to permit a vehicle suspension system to be connected to the axle housing is disclosed. The device includes a generally flat baseplate having curvilinear ends separated by a relatively long and narrow waist. Each end includes a curvilinear side rim and two rounded corners from which longitudinally extending edges positioned on opposite sides of the device smoothly taper towards the waist. The device also includes a generally horizontally projecting plane having a waist aligned with the waist of the baseplate to divide the plane into two distinct portions. The plane also has two supporting sidewalls. Both sidewalls extend from just inside the rounded corners of a respective end of the baseplate and taper towards associated corners of the horizontally projecting plane. Each portion of the plane includes a generally rounded boss extending from the plane. A slot extending from the intersection of the baseplate and the plane is incorporated in each boss to allow a connection bolt to pass through the device. The construction of the device permits it to accommodate varying pinion angles and axle housing mismatch. The preferred method of welding the axle connection device to the axle housing is also disclosed.