Steering box question

[Bruce Compton Canada]

My '25 Coupe has 4:1 steering gears, and should have 5:1. I have a few sets of NOS gears in both ratios, but the 5:1 will not fit into the box. Are all the boxes the same dimension inside, with only the main shaft that carries the three gears different? My box also does not have the limiting groove and one longer pin. Thanks again : Bruce

 

[dumb person]

The box is too early but must be in great condition if 5:1 don't fit, they were only a fraction different and wear would allow them to fit in the 4:1 box by now.

 

[tmodelman]

The 4:1 won't interchange.

For 5:1 the gear case can be used if the case is at least 1921 and later. But the 5:1 case that came in '25 does have a longer 'groove' for the long pinion pin to move in, that provides the 'stop' to prevent the wheels from going over center.

5:1 needs the 5:1 steering post (shaft) and the 5:1 gears.

 

[Bruce Compton Canada]

Thanks for the reply. So, the boxes are the same either for 4:1 or 5:1, and the parts that must be changed are the gears and main shaft with the three pins. Is that correct? I'm not worried about the limiting groove as I've already built a travel limiter to prevent the pitman arm from going over centre.Thanks again : Bruce

 

[tmodelman]

Correct.

You have to use a 5:1 shaft and the 5:1 planetary gears, and the 5:1 sun gear. The 5:1 shaft has the correct spacing for the pinion pins.

If no groove in the bottom of the early case, then be sure to use the 3 short pinion pins, otherwise the steering gear case cap won't fasten down if one of the pins is long, and the steering could lock up.

 

[Bruce Compton Canada]

Thanks again. I was hoping to avoid changing the whole column, and I have a few sets of NOS gears so all I need is a 5:1 shaft. I wonder if I can change it without having to remove the column as it's in a Coupe, not an open car. Thanks : Bruce

 

[Bruce Compton Canada]

One last question. Are all the 5:1 steering shafts the same length (1925-1927)? Thanks : Bruce