Most rear-wheel-drive trucks use a solid rear axle with leaf springs in an arrangement called what?

The arrangement of a solid rear axle with leaf springs in rear-wheel-drive trucks is known as the Hotchkiss drive. This design is favored in many vehicles, particularly trucks, for its simplicity and strength. In a Hotchkiss drive setup, the leaf springs are mounted to the frame of the vehicle, while the solid axle is connected to the leaf springs.

This configuration allows for better load-carrying capability and greater durability, which is essential in trucks that are often used for hauling and towing. The solid rear axle can provide improved stability under load compared to independent rear suspension systems, making it well-suited for the demands of trucks.

Other designs mentioned, such as the Klien-Lindner axle and Chapman strut, are less common and serve different purposes or vehicle types. The Panhard rod is a component often used in conjunction with other types of suspension systems to control lateral movement, but it does not define the overall rear axle arrangement like the Hotchkiss drive does. Therefore, the Hotchkiss drive is the correct and most appropriate term for this specific setup with a solid rear axle and leaf springs in most rear-wheel-drive trucks.