Analysis and improvement of the 4 × 4 pickup truck suspension system to enhance dynamic performance

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis and evaluate the dynamic performance of an air suspension system versus a conventional leaf spring suspension system in a pickup truck. This study is motivated by the need to address fundamental challenges in vehicle handling and stability that directly influence component wear, maneuverability under critical conditions, and occupant safety. Accordingly, the present work aims to develop an accurate predictive model of vehicle behavior and, ultimately, to identify an optimal configuration of air suspension components to simultaneously enhance both controllability and maneuverability. The simulation results clearly demonstrate that replacing the conventional leaf spring suspension with an air suspension system leads to a significant enhancement in maneuverability and a notable improvement in handling metrics for the pickup truck. These findings underscore the potential for improving both safety and dynamic performance in this class of light commercial vehicles.