Apparatus and method for mounting a leaf spring to an axle housing

A tubular axle housing (100) is provided with pairs of tabs (109, 110, 111, 112) that protrude or extend from the axle to a height or length sufficient to prevent the intermediate section of a U-bolt (101, 102) from sliding over the tab (109, 110, 111, 112). The tabs (109, 110, 111, 112) also help locate and guide the U-bolt (101, 102) between the tabs (109, 110, 111, 112) during the assembly of a leaf spring (107) to the axle housing (100). The tabs (109, 110, 111, 112) provide a positive locking feature for the U-bolts (101, 102) during service of a vehicle, to prevent the U-bolts (101, 102) from moving laterally along the axis of the axle tube. As a result, the joint between the leaf spring (107) and axle housing (110) is more secure.