APPLICATIONS 1963 JEEP M-SERIES FORWARD CONTROL

The M-series Jeep Forward Control FC-170 4x4s were built for the United States Marine Corps in 1963 and were the most notable vehicular application for the Cerlist. As many as 400 are known to have been built. This is the M-677 four-door crew cab variant, the most numerous of the M-series produced, but there was also an M-676 standard cab pickup, M-678 carryall and M-679 ambulance built on the same chassis. They were fairly standard Jeep FCS but militarized to suit USMC requirements.

The FC-170 was normally powered by a 226ci flathead six that made 105 hp at 3,600 rpm and 190 lb-ft at 1,400 rpm (gross ratings, deduct about 15 percent to approximate the net power). The two engines were approximately the same weight, with the Cerlist about 40 pounds heavier than the six. As you can see, the diesel fit well under the doghouse and was a relatively easy conversion. In tests, at an 8,000 lbs GVW, the gasser delivered 8 mpg while the Cerlist powered truck made over 16 mpg. Testers said performance was comparable, especially in hilly country.

The Cerlist in the M-series was backed up by a Warner Gear T90 3-speed and a Spicer Model 18 transfer case. Axles were a front Spicer 44 and a rear Spicer 53, both equipped with Spicer Powr-lok limited-slip differentials. They came wearing 7.50-16 commercial mud and snows, but most were soon converted to military non-directional tires. This M-677 belongs to Dan Devries and has been restored to USMC splendor wearing its original registration markings.