Patent ID: 7234713

Claim:
An axle suspension system for a load-bearing vehicle including first and second longitudinally extending frame members having rearward and forward ends, comprising: first and second mounting brackets secured to said first and second frame members, respectively; a first upper control arm, having forward and rearward ends, pivotally secured at its said forward end to said first mounting bracket and extending rearwardly therefrom; a second upper control arm, having forward and rearward ends, pivotally secured at its said forward end to said second mounting bracket and extending rearwardly therefrom; first and second axle supports positioned rearwardly of said first and second mounting brackets, respectively; said rearward end of said first upper control arm being pivotally secured to said first axle support; said rearward end of said second upper control arm being pivotally secured to said second axle support; an axle and wheel assembly operatively secured to said first and second axle supports; first and second air springs operatively secured to said axle and wheel assembly; and a one-piece stabilizer bar assembly including an elongated, generally transversely extending base portion having first and second generally forwardly extending end portions at the opposite ends thereof; said end portions having forward ends; said first and second forwardly extending end portions of said stabilizer bar assembly being pivotally connected at their said forward ends to said first and second mounting brackets, respectively, below said first and second upper control arms, respectively; said base portion of said stabilizer bar assembly being pivotally connected to said first and second axle supports below said first and second upper control arms; said base portion of said stabilizer bar assembly extending inwardly and forwardly from its pivotal connection with said first axle support, thence inwardly, thence outwardly and rearwardly to said pivotal connection with said second axle support.