Heavy-duty connections e.g. for axle/suspension systems

A method of connecting an inner metal component, which is a tubular vehicle axle or suspension crossbrace having a wall with an outer connection surface, to an outer metal component, which comprises a tube or part-tube which fits around or onto the outer connection surface of the inner component and has a wall with an outer connection surface to complement the outer connection surface of the inner component, the method comprising:

• fitting the inner and outer components together with said walls complementing;
• wherein an edge of the outer component overlies the outward surface of the inner component and has an inwardly-directed edge surface portion that is angled and spaced away from the outward surface of the inner component to define an open convergent groove therebetween;
• forming one or more depressions in both said walls by indentation, providing a mating engagement between the inner and outer components at the aligned depressions thereof, to connect them together by mechanical interlock;
• providing a solid lubricant between the inner and outer components at a connection region where the one or more depressions are formed, so that the lubricant is present between the indented wall portions of the components;
• and
• providing a seal along the open convergent groove, thereby forming a boundary to retain the lubricant at the connection region and/or to keep contaminants out of the connection region.