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Torsional rubber heavy vehicle suspensions have been used for over 60 years. The historical background makes an interesting engineering case study. A new simplified updated redesign of the system has been accomplished. It retains the long-life, relatively soft spring rate and roll stability advantages of the original design. Reduced adhesion stresses and a simplified vehicle leveling system are new advantages. Vehicle comparison testing with other suspension systems indicates significant improvement in ride comfort, stability and vibration reduction. Future designs will likely use new more sophisticated compression springs operating in combination with the torsional springs to further improve the ride.

Changing a flat tire no longer need be a chore if the Newmatic jack is used. The Goodrich jack is a compact, inflatable, textile, and rubber cylinder capable of extending vertically to lift a vehicle wheel off the ground. It is stable and easy to operate. Inflation pressure for most standard-sized cars is in the range of 20-25 psig. The inflation source can be a compressed gas bottle, a compressor driven by the engine, or an electric motor driven compressor plugged into the cigarette lighter. The Newmatic jack can be stored within the spare wheel. In today's automobile with limited storage space and uncertain lifting methods, the Newmatic jack offers the chassis engineer considerable freedom of choice.