Patent ID: 7854445

Claim:
A suspension system for a vehicle having a frame, first and second outer axles, and a middle axle, said suspension system comprising: a first outer spring member having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the frame of the vehicle, said first outer spring member supporting the first outer axle; a middle spring member having first and second ends, said middle spring member supporting the middle axle; and a first equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle, said equalizer including: a first plate which is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle, an equalizer arm pivotally mounted to said first plate, said equalizer arm being operatively attached to said second end of said first outer spring member, an alignment bracket fixedly mounted to said first plate, said alignment bracket being operatively attached to said first end of said middle spring member, and a shock absorber which is at least partially positioned against said equalizer arm, said shock absorber configured to absorb shock/vibrations transferred to said equalizer arm when the first outer spring member is moved upwardly, wherein said shock absorber has a centrally located aperture extending therethrough.