High clearance vehicle suspension with twin spindles for transferring steering torque

In an agricultural implement having a frame adapted for forward movement over uneven terrain, a high clearance suspension system comprising:

• an upright strut shaft having a strut shaft axis and upper and lower ends;
• an axle having a strut journal mounting the upright strut shaft for axial movement along an upright strut shaft axis and for rotational movement therein;
• a wheel support connected to the lower end of the strut shaft;
• a steering arm connected to the journal mounting for rotation with respect thereto generally about the strut shaft axis, wherein the strut shaft moves axially in the direction of the upright strut shaft axis with respect to the steering arm as the frame moves over the uneven terrain, the steering arm remaining relatively fixed in the vertical direction with respect to the journal;
• an upper spring support;
• upright spindles connecting the steering arm and the upper spring support;
• a pneumatic spring supported between the upper end of the strut shaft and the upper spring support and providing cushioning for the wheel support as the strut shaft moves axially in the journal;
• and
• a spindle bracket fixed to the strut shaft and slidably received over the spindles for vertical movement with respect to the spindles and the steering arm as the strut shaft moves axially, the spindles and spindle bracket constraining the strut shaft for rotational movement with the steering arm for steering the wheel support while facilitating relative axial movement in the direction of the upright strut shaft axis between the spindle bracket and the spindles.