1957 Jeep FC-150 Wrecker - Backward Glances - Four Wheeler Network
In December 1956, Jeep was the first American truck manufacturer to introduce a production light-duty forward control (FC) truck. Ford, GM, and Dodge would soon follow, but Jeep would always be a step ahead because the FC had four-wheel drive. The Jeep FC was offered in two models, the FC-150 short-wheelbase ½-ton and the FC-170 long-wheelbase ¾- and 1-ton. The sales literature touted the compact size and high maneuverability of the FC trucks, in particular with the FC-150. The FC-150 was only a little longer overall than the CJ-5 Jeep (with the same wheelbase), yet it had a bed that was close in... For example, a ’57 Chevy shortbed ½-ton 4x4 was 188. 25 inches long, 76 inches wide, had a 114-inch wheelbase, and a turning circle of over 25 feet. The Jeep FC-150 was 147. 31 inches long, 74. 42 inches wide, had an 81-inch wheelbase with an 18-foot turning circle, and had a standard payload of 1,727 pounds. Power for the FC came from the perennial 134ci Jeep F-head four-cylinder that was backed up by a standard Warner Gear T90A and the usual Spicer 18 T-case. A heavy-duty 3,500-pound Dana 44 axle was optional for $35. 95. The front axle was a Dana 25, the same as the CJ with a little more load-carrying beef (2,300 versus 2,000 pounds). Source: www.fourwheeler.com