A computer-controlled hydraulic support system for medium-duty trucks is now being produced by Liquid Spring Technologies Inc (LST) of Santa Fe Springs CA.
This suspension is based on silicone-filled struts that adjust automatically to road conditions and driver technique while the vehicle is underway. The patented Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System (CLASS) replaces the stock suspension system with a complete system. The fluid itself is the spring/dampening medium.
With the aid of an on-board computer, CLASS can change the spring stiffness by changing the volume of the compressible fluid (silicone) automatically and instantaneously. Applications for the suspension include limousines, buses, ambulances, RVs, moving vans, emergency vehicles, tow vehicles, and other specialty vehicles.
CLASS is available for modifying the suspension at all four corners of a vehicle. It also can be installed strictly as a rear suspension such as in the case of the E-450 shown above. To install CLASS in this application, the stock rear suspension components — leaf springs, shock absorbers, rear spring mounts, sway bar, and all hardware attaching the sway bar to the axle — are removed and replaced. Only the bolts attaching sway bar to axle are reused.
Suspension components of CLASS have been designed to attach to existing chassis locations with no welding or frame alteration required. Because CLASS uses standard industry components used on passenger cars, the system is designed for maintenance-free service. CLASS includes a patented way of controlling the fluid with an interactive, programmable computer chip.
By changing stiffness at the on-board computer's command, resonant vibrations, harshness of ride, and uncomfortable sway were noticeably reduced, if not eliminated. Ride and handling characteristics can be changed with software, while no hardware modifications are required. The system's push-button control allows the driver to choose a ride mode for improved ride and handling. For more information on the CLASS program, contact LST, 13575 Larwin Circle, Santa Fe Springs CA 90670.