In order to forecast and optimize the longitudinal stiffness of the V-type thrust rod applied to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the hyperelastic constitutive model of rubber material in the V-type thrust rod is built based on uniaxial tension and compression experiment for rubber specimens. Then the dynamic finite element simulation for the work process of the V-type thrust rods are carried out using Abaqus software. The longitudinal stiffness of the V-type thrust rods is predicted using the post processor module of Abaqus software. The relationship between the V-type thrust rod's longitudinal stiffness and the structure of the spherical hinge is studied according to the strain contours of the rubber layer. The simulation results demonstrates that increasing the width of the plastic layer in the spherical hinge can improve the V-type thrust rod's longitudinal stiffness, because this structure can change the volume and vulcanization area of the rubber layer and block rubber layer extend to end covers. Bench tests for the samples of the primary structure and optimized structure are carried out, and the results show that the prediction and optimization method is valid. This method can shorten the R&D period of the V-type thrust rod and dramatically improve its longitudinal stiffness.