MTFCA Forum

How much difference is there between the steering columns from 1919 to 1924? Will they interchange?

Yes, they are interchangeable. I can not think of any differences over those years.

Actually, while they may look the same, they are not all the same, having gone through a series of small changes internal to the gearbox, notably in '22 and '24. Some of the changes to the gearbox correspond in subtle changes in draglink/pitman arm. Not going to post draglink/pitman parts changes here but will post changes to the gearbox (within your '19-'24 time frame) here...

changes:

10-17-19 Changed the pitch of gear teeth on the above part from 14 to 14-18 with 20 degree pressure angle. This change is made to reduce friction between gears and is to take effect as soon as the change can be made without holding up production. The parts on hand to be balanced and used up. Note: Owing to the wear on these parts when in use it will be necessary to hold the present design, that is, parts having straight 14 pitch teeth for repairs.
11-04-20 Brought drawings up to date by changing pitch diameter from 2.571” to 2.571 ± .003.”
12-22-20 This part is no longer required for repairs, and has therefore been marked obsolete.
10-28-21 Added 3/32” to under side of cup, added slot for stop pin in bottom. Brought drawing up to date by specifying outside of cup to be machined and nickel plated. Changed distance between lugs which hold throttle and lead rods from 21/64” to 21/64-11/32”.
02-23-22 Changed angle between centerline of case and the center of 13/64” radius at ends of slot for stop pin from 45 degrees to 51 degrees.
11-24-22 Removed 2-59/64” diameter relief 3/32” long from upper part of threads, and changed width of 45 degree chamfer at top of case from 1/32” to 3/32”.
01-15-23 Changed method of specifying material from “W” brass to #2 Red Bronze.
05-27-24 Changed angle between centerline and ends of stop slot from 51 degrees to 60 degrees.
09-27-24 Changed width of stop slot from 13/32” to 15/32.” This changes radius for centerline of slot from .857” to .821” and for ends from 13/64” to 15/64.” Changed angle between centerline and right hand end of slot from 60 degrees to 65 degrees. Specified for 1925.
10-07-25 Changed angle between centerline and ends of stop slot from 60 to 62 degrees on left side and 55 to 67 degrees on right side. No further changes in the design were made

Don't over think this. A 1919 steering column assembly will interchange with a 1924 steering column assembly. Mixing and matching individual internal parts not so much.

Well, Jeff, actually, my response was to the first part of the question:

How much difference is there between the steering columns from 1919 to 1924?

To the second part, yes, they will interchange. So long as one is aware of, and accepts the fact that there exists the potential to change the minimum turning radius of your car. In my mind, that is not overthinking it; it is recognizing that they are not all identical and that there is a risk that you may end up with more or less of something than you bargained for.

If that is a bad thing to know and understand ahead of time, well, then I'm guilty of overthinking things.

You may note that I provided the information without any admonition or opinion as to what to do with it.

Scott, no offense intended, and I personally appreciate the description of technical changes.

What would be causing excessive play in the steering of my 1920 Roadster?

It's rarely caused by just one thing. More often it's a combination of several small problems that add up to one big one (worn bushings, gears, pitman arm ball, etc.). Look everywhere in the steering system.