This particular system, commonly found in heavy-duty trucks manufactured by Peterbilt, represents a sophisticated approach to vehicle suspension. It combines the load-carrying capacity of traditional leaf springs with the ride quality and adjustability associated with air springs. The design incorporates a leaf spring pack, typically located below the axle, working in conjunction with air springs positioned above. The air springs provide a variable spring rate, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions, which can increase ride comfort.
Implementing this type of suspension offers several advantages. The ability to adjust the air pressure within the air springs allows for maintaining a consistent ride height regardless of the weight of the load. This is particularly beneficial for vehicles that frequently carry varying payloads. Furthermore, the combination of leaf springs and air springs provides a robust and durable system capable of withstanding the demands of heavy-duty applications, as well as enhanced stability and handling compared to solely leaf-spring or solely air-spring systems. Its evolution reflects ongoing efforts to balance load capacity with driver comfort and vehicle longevity in commercial transportation.
