Introduction
The Ford 700 is a designation used by the Ford Motor Company for a line of heavy‑duty, six‑wheel (6×6) trucks that were manufactured primarily in the 1950s and early 1960s. The vehicles were built to meet the needs of the United States Army and other military forces, providing a robust platform for transporting supplies, towing artillery, and serving as the basis for a variety of specialized military and civilian applications. The 700 series is distinguished by its high payload capacity, rugged construction, and modularity, which allowed for extensive customization through the use of interchangeable modules, such as cargo bodies, ambulance configurations, and recovery equipment.
While the 700 designation was not used for commercial trucks in the United States, the model achieved considerable success in overseas markets, particularly in Latin America and South Africa, where it served both military and civilian roles. The Ford 700 line contributed to the evolution of heavy‑duty truck design in the mid‑20th century and set a precedent for the modular approach that would later become standard in modern military logistics vehicles.
History and Development
Origins in the Post‑War Era
Following World War II, the U.S. Army required a fleet of heavy‑duty trucks capable of operating in a wide range of terrains, including deserts, jungles, and snowbound regions. Existing commercial trucks were often insufficient for military logistical demands, especially in terms of payload and off‑road performance. Ford Motor Company, leveraging its experience in mass production and its existing line of Ford F-Series trucks, initiated the development of a dedicated military truck platform in 1948.
The early research focused on enhancing suspension systems, increasing ground clearance, and integrating a more powerful engine to handle heavy loads. Collaboration between Ford's engineering division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers produced a prototype that would evolve into the 700 series.
Design and Engineering Milestones
Key design milestones include the adoption of a full‑time 6×6 drivetrain, the implementation of a leaf‑spring suspension system tailored for high‑speed off‑road travel, and the introduction of a 6‑cylinder inline gasoline engine capable of delivering 135 horsepower at 3,000 rpm. The engine was coupled with a four‑speed manual transmission and an over‑drive unit to provide additional range and fuel efficiency for long‑distance operations.
In 1952, the prototype entered field testing with the U.S. Army's Transportation Corps. Feedback from test crews highlighted the need for improved braking systems and a more robust cargo frame. Ford responded by integrating a hydraulic disc brake system on the front wheels and reinforcing the cab with a double‑layered steel chassis.
Production and Distribution
The first production runs of the Ford 700 began in 1953 at Ford's plant in Dearborn, Michigan. Initial orders were placed by the U.S. Army, totaling 2,500 units for the 700 series. In 1954, the vehicle was exported to several NATO allies, and production shifted to include a small batch of vehicles for the South African Army and the Mexican Army.
By 1958, the 700 series had expanded to include the 701, 702, and 703 variants, each featuring incremental improvements in payload capacity and modular equipment options. The final iteration, the 704, was introduced in 1961 with an upgraded 160‑horsepower engine and a revised suspension system to accommodate larger payloads. Production of the 700 series ceased in 1963 as newer models, such as the Ford 708 and the 9-series military trucks, began to replace them in the U.S. Army inventory.
Design and Technical Features
Chassis and Suspension
The Ford 700's chassis was a reinforced steel ladder frame, designed to support a maximum payload of 7,000 pounds. The frame incorporated cross members to enhance torsional rigidity, which proved essential in rough terrain operations. The suspension system employed independent leaf springs on all six wheels, a design that allowed for improved ground contact and better load distribution.
To accommodate high‑speed desert and snow operations, the suspension included adjustable shock absorbers that could be tuned for stiffness or compliance depending on the mission profile. The front suspension also integrated a 12‑inch wheelbase to provide a stable platform for heavy cargo and towing operations.
Powertrain
The standard engine for the Ford 700 was a 6‑cylinder inline gasoline engine, initially rated at 135 horsepower. This engine was coupled to a four‑speed manual transmission with an optional over‑drive unit. Later models, such as the 704, upgraded the engine to 160 horsepower, enabling the vehicle to carry heavier loads or to perform towing duties at higher speeds.
Fuel capacity ranged from 90 to 120 gallons, depending on the variant, which allowed for extended operational range. The 700 series also featured a manual cooling fan and a separate oil cooler to maintain engine temperatures in extreme conditions.
Drivetrain and Wheels
The 6×6 drivetrain was powered by a front differential that provided power to the front axle, while two rear differentials powered the middle and rear axles. The vehicle employed a transfer case that allowed for low‑range gearing, essential for off‑road climbing and traversing steep grades.
All six wheels were equipped with 14×6.5 inch tires, a size that balanced payload capacity with ground clearance. The vehicle also incorporated a tire deflation system to facilitate ground clearance in obstacle courses and a tire pressure regulation system that allowed the crew to adjust tire pressure on the fly to suit varying terrain conditions.
Cab and Interior Layout
The Ford 700 cab was designed for driver comfort during extended missions. It featured a bench seat for the driver and a forward seat for a second crew member. The cockpit included standard instrumentation for speed, RPM, fuel level, and engine temperature, along with a simple radio communication system.
Storage compartments were provided beneath the driver's seat and behind the front seat, allowing for the carriage of spare parts and supplies. The interior layout could be reconfigured to accommodate an ambulance module, a command center, or a recovery crew, demonstrating the vehicle’s modular capabilities.
Variants and Specialized Configurations
Standard 700 Series
The base 700 model was primarily used for general cargo transport, capable of carrying up to 7,000 pounds of freight. It featured a flatbed cargo body, a simple winch for recovery operations, and a standard tow bar.
700A Ambulance
The 700A was an ambulance configuration that replaced the cargo bed with a medical module. The module included a stretcher, medical equipment storage, and a ventilator system. The 700A was widely used by the U.S. Army in Vietnam and by several allied nations for casualty evacuation.
700B Recovery
The 700B variant incorporated a large winch with a 20,000‑pound pulling capacity, a front and rear hydraulic jack system, and a recovery crew seat. This configuration was employed for vehicle recovery missions in remote locations, where the ability to extricate other vehicles or damaged equipment was essential.
700C Supply
The 700C was designed as a supply vehicle for the transport of ammunition, fuel, and other logistical cargo. It featured a double‑decker cargo bed and an integrated fuel tank for refueling other vehicles in the field.
700E Command
The 700E was a mobile command post, equipped with a radio mast, satellite communication equipment, and a small office area. The vehicle served as the headquarters for artillery batteries and logistics units during field operations.
Operational History
United States Army
During the Korean War, the Ford 700 series proved its worth by transporting supplies across the Korean peninsula's rugged terrain. The 700 series was deployed extensively during the Vietnam War, where its 6×6 configuration and high payload capacity facilitated logistics in jungle environments. The 700A ambulance variant was credited with evacuating hundreds of casualties, often under hostile fire.
In addition to frontline use, the 700 series was assigned to rear‑area supply depots, where its cargo and supply variants supported ongoing operations. The vehicle's ability to function in extreme temperature ranges, from the Arctic to the desert, made it a versatile platform for various climatic conditions.
International Operators
South Africa adopted the Ford 700 series for its army and police forces in the 1960s, customizing the vehicle for use in the African veldt and desert operations. The 700 series was also supplied to the Mexican Army, where it served as a standard logistic truck during the 1970s and 1980s. In Brazil, the vehicle was rebranded as the “Ford 7T” and used by both military and civilian agencies for transport and construction work.
Civilian Use
Following their military service, many Ford 700 trucks were converted for civilian use, especially in rural and mining regions of South America and Africa. The high payload capacity and off‑road capability made them ideal for transporting agricultural produce, mining equipment, and as mobile workshops. The durability of the chassis and mechanical simplicity contributed to a long operational life beyond their military lifespan.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Military Truck Design
The Ford 700 series introduced several design elements that became standard in subsequent military trucks. Its modularity, high payload capacity, and six‑wheel drive configuration influenced the development of later models, such as the Ford 708 and the 9-series. The 6×6 drivetrain, in particular, proved to be a decisive factor for off‑road capability and became a benchmark for military trucks worldwide.
Industrial and Commercial Influence
The robust construction of the 700 series encouraged civilian manufacturers to develop heavy‑duty trucks with similar specifications. In the 1970s and 1980s, several Latin American manufacturers built trucks using Ford 700 components, leading to a regional supply chain centered on the 700 platform. The vehicle’s design also inspired the development of heavy‑duty trucks in the mining sector, where the need for high payload and off‑road performance remained critical.
Preservation and Museum Collections
Several Ford 700 trucks have been preserved in military museums across the United States, Europe, and Africa. These vehicles are displayed as part of exhibits on mid‑20th‑century logistics and military technology, underscoring the vehicle’s historical significance. Restoration projects have focused on preserving original engine and chassis components to maintain authenticity.
Technical Specifications
General
- Chassis: Reinforced steel ladder frame
- Weight: 10,200 pounds (empty)
- Payload capacity: 7,000 pounds (standard)
- Dimensions: 22 feet (length) × 8 feet (width) × 6 feet (height)
Engine
- Type: 6‑cylinder inline gasoline
- Displacement: 230 cubic inches
- Power: 135 hp (standard), 160 hp (704 variant)
- Torque: 250 lb‑ft
- Fuel tank capacity: 90–120 gallons
Transmission
- Manual four‑speed with optional over‑drive
- Transfer case: Low‑range and high‑range gears
Drivetrain
- Configuration: 6×6
- Front differential: 4.6:1 ratio
- Rear differentials: 4.6:1 ratio (middle), 4.6:1 ratio (rear)
Suspension
- Front: Independent leaf springs with adjustable shock absorbers
- Rear: Independent leaf springs with adjustable shock absorbers
- Wheelbase: 12 inches (front)
Tires
- Size: 14×6.5 inches
- Type: All‑terrain, off‑road
- Features: Deflation system, tire pressure regulation
Additional Features
- Hydraulic disc brakes (front)
- Manual cooling fan
- Separate oil cooler
- Winch: 20,000‑lb capacity (700B variant)
- Winch cable: 1,200 feet of 12‑in. steel
Operators
Active Service
- United States Army – 1953–1963 (active service)
- South African Army – 1962–1985
- Mexican Army – 1960–1975
Former Operators
- Brazilian Armed Forces – 1970–1990
- Colombian Armed Forces – 1971–1990
- Indonesian Army – 1967–1980
See Also
- Ford 708 – successor to the 700 series
- Ford 9‑series – later military truck series
- Volkswagen 4‑wheel drive trucks – contemporaneous German design
- Heavy‑duty trucks in mining sector – industrial influence
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