An improved spring shackle assembly is utilized in an improved vehicle suspension system and includes a pair of socket assemblies which connect an end portion of a leaf spring with a mounting bracket. Each of the socket assemblies includes a rigid metal housing having an inner surface which defines a socket chamber in which a bearing liner is disposed. Each of the bearing liners encloses a spherical end portion of a ball stud. Each ball stud has a generally cylindrical shank which extends into an opening formed in an end portion of the spring. In order to tend to minimize the sideward load applied to the mounting bracket, the bearing liners have spherical surfaces which cooperate with the spherical head ends of the ball studs so that offsetting axial or sidewise forces are applied to the bearing liners by the ball studs. The socket assembly has a unitary construction to facilitate assembly and to minimize the chance for dirt and other foreign materials to enter the socket chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing lines are integrally formed of a suitable polymeric material. In another embodiment of the invention the bearing liners are formed in two sections. One of the two bearing sections carries a larger bearing load and is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the other bearing section.