Jeep has a rich history of producing trucks that combine rugged off-road capability with the practicality and utility of a pickup. Here’s a look at the key models over the years:
Jeep Pickup: 1947-1965
A 118-inch wheelbase pickup that realized few product changes. It was Willys-Overland’s first attempt to diversify the Jeep brand from the CJ.
Jeep FC 150/170 Pickup: 1957-65
These Forward-Control series Jeep vehicles were essentially work trucks – with an 81-inch wheelbase for the FC 150 and 103.5 inches for the FC 170. They received few changes during their lifecycle, though some 1959 and 1960 models featured full-floating front and rear axles, and some 1959 models included dual rear wheels and a four-speed manual transmission.
The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced from 1956 to 1965. The layout featured a cab over (forward control) design. The Forward Control models were primarily marketed as corporate, municipal, military, and civilian work vehicles. Regular pickup box beds were standard, and customers were offered specialized bodies from outside suppliers. The the Jeep FC-170 was introduced in 1957 and had a 103 in wheelbase with a 108 in pickup cargo bed. The forward-control layout achieved this. The cab did not tilt for engine access. The standard 6-cylinder engine was mated to a 3-speed transmission.
Jeep Gladiator/J-Series Pickup: 1963-1987
Resembling the Wagoneer, Gladiator debuted in 1963 in either 120-inch (J-200) or 126-inch (J-300) form, and featuring a Dana 20 transfer case and Dana 44s front and rear. The Gladiator name was dropped in 1972.
Jeep Commando (1967-1973)
A 101-inch wheelbase vehicle equipped with the “Dauntless” V-6 and full-floating Dana 27 and 44 rear axles. Fewer than 100 versions of the 1971 Commando Hurst Special were produced, making it one of the favorite and rarest vehicles among Jeep collectors.
1985 Jeep Comanche
The Jeep Comanche manufactured between 1985 to 1992 as a 2-door small pickup with two bed lengths: Short bed, 6-foot or Long 7-foot bed. Built on the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) platform, sharing many mechanical components and design elements. Available with Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Four-wheel drive (4WD). Powered by 2.5L AMC I4: Inline-four engine, standard option or 2.8L GM V6: Optional six-cylinder engine for more power.