A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle
from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members
extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members
that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to
the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective
rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members.
The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air
springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned
forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer
rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf
springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be
rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the
vehicle.