Chapter 5 Front Suspension Systems 95
Solid Axle Front Suspensions
Solid axle suspensions are the simplest type of axle.
There are two kinds of solid front axle suspensions. The
type used depends on whether the vehicle has two- or four-
wheel drive. The differences in each are detailed in the
following sections.
Non-Driving Solid Axle
A non-driving solid axle consists of a straight I-beam
with a connection for the steering knuckle at each end. The
front suspension contains other parts to stabilize the front
end and provide steering control. If the suspension is used
with leaf springs, Figure 5-25, the springs provide forward
and backward support. If the front suspension has coil
springs, control arms or strut rods are used to provide
support, Figure 5-26. Modern solid axles use upper and
lower ball joints, but kingpins may be found on some older
solid axles.
Snap ring Boot
Torsion
bar
Lower control arm
Six point socket
Adjusting nut
Anchor arm
Upper ball joint
Front axle hub
assembly
Lower ball joint
Bushing
Cushion
Retainer
Lower suspension
arm
Bushing
Adjusting cam
Retainer
Cushion
Retainer
Retainer
Retainer
Cushion
Cushion
Upper
suspension arm
Stabilizer
arm
Torque arm
Torsion
bar spring
Boot
Figure 5-21. One method of connecting the torsion bar by using
a six point socket in the lower control arm. (Moog)
Figure 5-22. A four-wheel drive front suspension system. In this particular arrangement, the torsion bar attaches to the upper
suspension (control) arm. (Toyota)