Willys pickup truck production total: 230,000 (1947-1965)
A Brief History of the Willys Truck:
“Gangway, America!” Willys announced to farmers and laborers in 1947 to introduce the new Jeep brand pickup truck. Equipped with the 134 cubic inch “Go-Devil” engine, these “sensational” Two and Four-Wheel drive Trucks were available as a “Jeep” Pick-up Truck, “Jeep” Van Truck, “Jeep” Platform-Stake Truck, “Jeep” Canopy Truck, and a “Jeep” Cab & Chassis. Similar to the Willys Jeep Wagon, the new Jeep brand trucks appeared modern for their time with slotted grilles and upright cabs.
After 1950, the two-wheel drive models were discontinued, and in 1957 the FC (Forward Control) Jeep Truck was unveiled. These revised versions of the Jeep truck were deemed to be “the future of the four-wheel drive truck” and were a departure in body style from the traditional Jeep, instead built on top of the existing CJ-5 chassis. With an eighteen foot turning radius, the FCs could go virtually anywhere while hauling a load, a definite plus for farmers and workers of the time.
Popular Culture:
The 1947 Willys Pickup is featured in “Jeep Thrills”, a video game released in 2008 (made by Game Sauce). A Jeep Gladiator stepside pick-up is driven by the character Earl Bassett in the dark comedy Tremors film series (1990).
Willys Pickup Truck Specs:
Transmission: Borg-Warner T-90 three-speed manual
(with Synchromeshed 2nd and 3rd gear)
Transfer Case: Spicer / Dana 18 (For 4WD models)
Front Axle: Dana 25
Engine: Many different engines were available over the course of production, including a four-cylinder L-head, a six-cylinder L-head, a four-cylinder F-head, and a six-cylinder OHC
4-Cylinder (5.38:1 gear ratio = Standard, 4.88:1 and 6.17:1 = Optional)
6-Cylinder (4.88:1 = Standard, 5.38:1 = Optional)
If you know more about the Willys Pickup Truck history and would like to add or share to the post above, submit a comment!
Kaiser Willys carries a large selection of New, Used and NOS for Willys vehicles between the years 1941-1971, including the Willys Pickup Truck.
Get Connected. Stay Inspired. Build Your Willys.
If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, or Willys Jeep Restoration Parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
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[…] History of the Willys Truck […]
I love these kind of posts. Great job – keep them coming. You give me encouragement to get that “project” in my back yard back on the road (’57 Wagon). One minor quibble: I don’t believe the wheelbase on any FC was 18 feet. Maybe the Limo version, LOL.
I love these kind of posts. Great job – keep them coming. You give me encouragement to get that “project” in my back yard back on the road (’57 Wagon). One minor quibble: I don’t believe the wheelbase on any FC was 18 feet. Maybe the Limo version, LOL.
HA HA HA! Thanks for catching that mistake! I meant to say an 18 foot turning radius… 🙂
That must have been the Jeep Special Edition skid steer version. 18′ wheelbase AND 18′ turning radius. Very rare. (insert smilie here)
Nice post, i have a 1947 Willys Pickup i bought from the original owner in 1976. Soon to put in a new wiring harness i bought from Kaiser Willys for only
$200. I should do a video of that.
You should definitely do that… We will be happy to post it on the Kaiser Willys Blog if you can get the video on YouTube – Keep me posted!
Thanks,
Rachel H. (Blog Administrator)
Nice post, i have a 1947 Willys Pickup i bought from the original owner in 1976. Soon to put in a new wiring harness i bought from Kaiser Willys for only
$200. I should do a video of that.
You should definitely do that… We will be happy to post it on the Kaiser Willys Blog if you can get the video on YouTube – Keep me posted!
Thanks,
Rachel H. (Blog Administrator)
[…] with the old concept of the 1/4 ton military vehicle that was itself inspired by the Jeep Gladiator, the Mopar team took it even further, spinning a new Jeep concept truck with customizations that […]
The 1947 Willys truck was a trademark design in the history of pickup trucks, and I would like to drive it at least once in my life time.
The 1947 Willys truck was a trademark design in the history of pickup trucks, and I would like to drive it at least once in my life time.
Qualcosa cui non avevo mai pensato� grazie per il contributo.
Qualcosa cui non avevo mai pensato� grazie per il contributo.
I have a 1951 Willys Pickup and live in Hawaii, the land of rust !
I am looking for a copy of a build sheet or (?) that has all the dimensions
(length, width, height as well as hood, cab, bed dimensions) so I can get a
close fitting truck cover !
Thanks