A color image of the diamond-shaped tag that is riveted to the forward-facing side of the air springs.

I wonder what kind of ride those trucks gave.

How many miles per gallon? I would expect them to be gasoline engines - Diesel engines hadn't yet made much of an inroad yet.

How many minutes from 0 to 60mph? If they made 60 mph at all?

Thanks to all who responded. Gruss shock absorbers are very interesting devices. They look very heavy. In my time working around vehicles (50 plus years) I had not heard of them.

My next question is did they use them on the rear axle? And, if so, how did they mount them? If above the axle line, as on the front axle, they would surely have intruded on the load space. If below they might have been in danger of grounding, certainly on a truck used off road. Perhaps they were mounted horizontally?

Is that Mike Mulligan in the background?

Given that they seem to form the forward attachment points for the front leaf springs, my guess is that they're shock absorbers.

[Indeed they are. - Dave]

Here is another Shorpy image with similar shock absorbers.

were used on quite a few of the Oakland CA-built Fageol trucks and buses. U.S. Patent.

Another lovely old wagon. The radiator is quite an impressive size!

Does anybody know what the two pieces are that are situated on top of the front bumper above the front spring hangers? I can make out "Crus" and "Type" below that. I cannot see what might be written on the two small plates rivetted on the front.

What are they and what was their function please?