A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an
axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the
vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one
embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer
disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a
complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly
mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement
between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one
or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the
beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar
surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the
bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus
generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and
possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.