What material were the Ford Model T's connecting rods made from?

The Ford Model T’s connecting rods were made from vanadium steel.

Ford used vanadium-alloy steel for several highly stressed parts, including the connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, axles, gears, and springs. The connecting rods were drop-forged, a process that shaped heated metal under pressure and helped produce strong, durable components for the four-cylinder engine.

Vanadium steel mattered because it combined relatively low weight with high strength and resistance to repeated vibration. That suited the Model T’s simple but hard-working 177-cubic-inch engine, which produced about 20 horsepower. The rods also used an I-beam-style design, balancing stiffness with economical use of material.

A common mix-up is confusing the rods with the engine block. The block and crankcase were cast iron, while the connecting rods were forged steel—specifically Ford’s vanadium steel alloy. This material choice was part of the Model T’s reputation for surviving rough roads and demanding service.