DUAL RATE SHOCK ABSORBING APPARATUS FOR A SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF A HEAVY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

摘要

A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing, which includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly has one end that acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies. An operable length of the guide assembly is automatically adjustable to the length of the housing during operation of the shock absorbing apparatus.