The invention is directed to vehicle suspension systems and components
thereof including attachment devices for mounting an axle alignment
and/or load reacting mechanism to an axle. Disclosed herein are axle
towers used for connecting a torque box to an axle. The axle tower of the
present invention can include one or more features to absorb and disperse
loads to the axle. The axle tower has a more contoured or curved edge on
the side plate that experiences a compressive force than a similar edge
on the side plate that experiences a tensile force. Furthermore, the axle
tower has appendages that extend out from the side plates providing a
large footprint on the axle housing. At least one of the appendages
extending from the side plate experiencing a compressive force has a
curved or radiused corner. Also, the axle towers include an inner plate
having an off-centered slot where the troque box connects. The
off-centered slot provides additional material to absorb the compressive
force experienced on one side of the inner plate.