Patent ID: 7364179

Claim:
A suspension system for a vehicle having a frame with a suspension housing tube, the suspension housing tube having an upper section and a lower section, the suspension system comprising: a top bearing having a throat fitting at least partially within the upper section of the suspension housing tube, the top bearing being secured to the suspension housing tube; a base bearing having a throat fitting at least partially within the lower section of the suspension housing tube, the base bearing being secured to the suspension housing tube; a strut having a lower section and an upper section, the strut sliding axially within the suspension housing tube, the lower section of the strut generally being an elongate tube having a lower end and an upper end, having an opening at the lower end to receive an axle for the vehicle, and the upper end of the lower section tapering inwardly, the lower section sliding axially within the base bearing, and the upper section of the strut generally being an elongate tube having a lower end and an upper end, the upper section sliding axially within the top bearing; and a retainer secured to the upper end of the upper section of the strut to prevent the strut from withdrawing from the suspension housing tube.