MTFCA Forum

I'm sure this question has been asked many times before, thanks for your patience. My friend has a 1922 Model T. Is it possible to convert the steering to 5-1? If so, what must be changed?

Steering shaft, center gear shaft & 3 gears. The best way is to find a complete late unit & remove those parts.

Tim,

Even by swapping out the parts described above, there can still be some binding issues when changing over to 5:1. I believe the issue is that the 4:1 gears are made with a different pressure angle than the 5:1 gears. Gears produced with different pressure angles are not meant to work with one another. While you're changing the sun & planet gears, your are still using the internal gear in the gearbox. Still, it's not always a problem, since many gearbox internal gears are somewhat worn by now, creating some additional clearances to alleviate binding. In the case of my Speedster, changing to 5:1 went well.

I think there is a Service Bulletin that covers this.

Here's the info:

The important item is the steering post, that has to be the late 5:1 post, as the pinion pins are different center lines than the 4:1 post, that will make it impossible to fit 5:1 gear set.

I’ve also read that the grooves in the gearcase to limit shaft rotation are different between the 4:1 and 5:1 units.

I upgraded my ‘24 Touring to the 5:1 gear ratio & as previously stated, you need to replace all the old 4:1 system to make it work properly. My Touring steers beautifully & I absolutely enjoy the steering now! Good luck & enjoy your T!

It all depends on the wear in the 4 to 1 gear case. The more wear the better the chance of 5 to 1 gears fitting. Dan

I swapped the entire steering column on my "23 for a 26 column. I think that's the easiest way. There are several columns on the parts for sale site presently.

I worked the new gears in the old case on my ‘14 with green timesaver. It took a while but the results were worth it.

Another difference not mentioned because of tire width.

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:43 pm

Another difference not mentioned because of tire width.

It was mentioned, but thanks for the pictures.

For me the easiest way to work the 5/1 gears in an early riveted brass head is by doing one of the triple gears at a time using yellow time saver your mileage may very. Takes about 2 hours doing it that way. Best John

Why not just remove the steering column, get a donor upper gear case with the original 5 to 1 and do it correctly. Your spark rod and throttle rods are probably worn out and replace them too!