Independent wheel suspension using thrust bearing constant velocity universal drive joints as suspension members in combination with a wheel assembly and differential coupled to pivot about a transverse stabilizer

摘要

An independent wheel suspension system having a pair of spaced-apart wheel assemblies, a stabilizer rod having end portions rotatably supported by respective side frame members of the vehicle frame about a transverse pivot axis, a pair of trailing arms having one end coupled to a respective wheel assembly and another end fixed to the stabilizer rod wherby the stabilizer rod cooperates with the trailing arms to restrain relative motion of one wheel assembly relative to the other about the transverse pivot axis, a non-metallic stabilizer tube resiliently supported by the stabilizer rod intermediate the trailing arms, a differential attached by a mounting plate to the stabilizer tube to allow relative movement between the differential and the frame about the transverse pivot axis, and a prop shaft coupling the differential and the engine with only one universal joint, that joint being of the constant velocity plunging type, whereby the movement of the differential relative to the frame about the transverse pivot axis accommodates articulation between the prop shaft and the engine and whereby the stabilizer tube increases bending stiffness along the transverse pivot axis while also dampening vibrations and noise from the wheel assemblies, differentials, frame and engine.