Straight line linkage mechanism

A straight line linkage mechanism for a solid axle of a motor vehicle (referable to alternatively as a "Chan-Cameron mechanism" or as a "Chan-Cameron linkage mechanism") includes a main bar, a tie rod and a shackle. The shackle is preferably configured as an "A-arm", having its legs pivotally connected to a solid axle. The apex of the shackle is pivotally connected to a first end of the main bar. The opposite second end of the main bar is pivotally connected to the frame. The tie rod is pivotally connected at one end to a mid-range location of the axle and, at its opposite end, pivotally to a mid-point location of the main bar. The connection locations of the main bar are spaced apart twice as far as the connection locations of the tie rod. In operation, as the axle moves vertically relative to the frame in response to the wheels encountering irregular terrain, the first end of the main bar will tend to move horizontally. The shackle is mounted to the axle so that the apex thereof is horizontally movable. Accordingly, the axle is able to move vertically relative to the frame without a vertical arc component.