MODULAR LOAD DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD

A suspension system including hydraulic circuits that extend between dampers located at opposite corners of the vehicle and at least one load distribution unit (104) that is connected in fluid communication with at least two hydraulic circuits. The load distribution unit (104) includes a manifold block (115) with a cylinder bore (117a), a pair of pressure tubes (119a, 119b), a piston rod assembly (168a), and an integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler (172). The pressure tubes (119a, 119b) are partially received in the cylinder bore (115) to define a pair of opposed cylinders (166a, 166b) and mate with the integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler (172). The piston rod assembly (168a) includes a piston rod (158) and a pair of opposed pistons (170a, 170b) that are slidingly received within the opposed cylinders (166a, 166b). In addition to retaining the pressure tubes (119a, 119b), the integral rod guide and pressure tube coupler (172) supports and permits the piston rod (158) to slide longitudinally relative to the manifold block (115).