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Jeep Forward Control... or Forward Roll?
1956 Forward Control FC 150
Who used them? Who wanted these odd looking ducks..er!..trucks. During the Kaiser Jeep era the Forward Control Jeep models were born. Kaiser found a way to build a versatile little work pickup using many existing parts...with minimal costs to produce.
FC 150 Jeep
Restored FC 150 Front View
They were unusual little trucks built on the frame and running gear of the CJ5 and the CJ6 in two base models. The FC 150 was the shorter of the two perched on the CJ5's 81 inch wheelbase, while the FC 170 sat on the 104 inch wheelbase of the CJ6. The components of both CJ's were the same on the FC's including engines, transmissions, transfer cases and suspensions. Four-Wheel Drive was standard as well. Later, other engine options including a diesel were available. The only major differences were the cab, interior and bed selections. The cab could be obtained in various states of completion for personal customization by the owner/operator. Interior options ranged from basic functional need to relatively user friendly comfort. Both Jeep Forward Control models were offered with a pickup bed, flat bed, stake bed or just cab and chassis. Other options available during the life of the Forward Control were a utility bed, dump bed and fifth wheel for towing trailers.
1956 Forward Control Jeep FC 170
The Jeep Forward Control had some unusual quirks as well. With the bulk of it's weight forward the little trucks were prone to flipping end-over-end especially when braking on a downhill slope. Since they were mostly used by contractors, developers, farmers, ranchers, builders and related vocations, the Jeep's safety was very much in question, especially in the hands of the inexperienced or unaware. Click here to compare the Jeep Forward Control with Jeep Safety issues in general. The narrow track (width of the axles) also proved problematic to the FC Jeep's safety. With the high ground clearance and short wheelbase the Forward Control Jeeps were also prone to roll-overs, especially when carrying heavy or awkward cargo. Wider axles were eventually added to increase safety. Nevertheless, the little pickup/haulers reached a niche of buyers who needed a tough, rugged, go-anywhere work vehicle that was not impaired by inclement weather or deteriorated road conditions. The Jeep Forward Controls have been used for many utility purposes...even as passenger vans and firetrucks.
1958 FC Van A heavy-duty FC-170 called the "DRW" sported dual rear wheels and heavy duty everything. Less than 2000 DRW's were produced making them quite rare today.
FC 170 DRW Fire Truck orininally from the East Meadow Fire Dept. of Long Island, NY
Also, since Jeep still maintained military contracts, the Forward Control Jeeps were converted for various military needs. Versions were built as cargo pickups (M-676), crew cab pickups (M-677), carry-alls (M-678), and ambulances (M-679). They were built and sold from 1957 through 1965. Although not sold in huge numbers the Jeep FC's got the attention of the larger automakers of the time who began producing forward control vehicles of their own. Mechanical parts are relatively easy to obtain today due to the CJ kinship, but body and glass parts are not. There are groups devoted to these unique cab-over vehicles...and restored or modernized versions can look really sharp! So...if you can keep them from doing somersaults while going downhill...the Forward Control is a
pretty cool Jeep.
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