Jim Oaks is the founder and driving force behind TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast website online. Since 1999, Jim has created one of the most trusted destinations for Ranger owners and off-roaders who are looking for technical expertise, community support, and off-road inspiration.
“I started TheRangerStation.com to empower everyday truck owners to do more with what they have, to go further, and to build something they can be proud of.” — Jim Oaks
Ranger Enthusiast Since the Beginning
Jim built his first Ford Ranger in 1993, beginning a lifelong obsession with customizing, modifying, and truly understanding the vehicle from bumper to bumper. Over the years, he’s personally owned and built:
- A 1983 Ford Ranger that was featured in Off-Road Adventures Magazine.
- A 1996 Ford Ranger built into “Project Transformer” — a 6-part magazine build series in 2004.
- A 2021 Ford Ranger with modern overlanding enhancements.
- A 1984 Ford Bronco II, the Ranger’s mechanical twin, named “The Junkyard & Spare Parts Bronco II”
- A 1984 Ford Bronco II XLS, named the “B2 Marauder”.
His builds aren’t theoretical or cosmetic—they’re battle-tested on trails, in sand, snow, and mud. Jim doesn’t just talk trucks—he lives them.
Loaned a Ranger by Ford Motor Company
In 2019, Jim was selected by Ford Motor Company to receive a brand-new 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 for an extended 6-month test period. Nicknamed the “Loan Ranger,” Jim used the truck to:
- Travel across the U.S.
- Complete the Trans America Trail from the East Coast to the Pacific Ocean.
- Field test gear, accessories, and off-road performance in real-world conditions.
This rare honor from Ford speaks volumes about Jim’s influence in the Ranger community.
A Community Builder, Educator & Trail Leader
Jim isn’t just a builder—he’s a teacher, trail guide, and mentor. He has:
- Hosted numerous Ford Ranger off-road gatherings and events, including trail rides, tech days, and camping trips.
- Created hundreds of how-to tech articles now housed on TheRangerStation.com.
- Fostered a vibrant community forum helping thousands of Ranger owners troubleshoot and upgrade their trucks.
- Maintained a decades-long archive of build threads, guides, and factory documentation.
Why Trust Jim Oaks?
Jim is more than a hobbyist. He’s recognized as a trusted authority in the off-road and Ford performance space. His experience spans:
- 25+ years of hands-on Ranger ownership and modification.
- Published work in automotive media.
- A consistent track record of providing reliable, accurate technical information to the Ford enthusiast community.
- A willingness to learn, share, and stay up to date with the latest innovations.
The Mission of TheRangerStation.com
Jim created TheRangerStation.com to be a no-nonsense, reliable source for Ford Ranger enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re:
- Trying to do your first lift kit,
- Swapping a 302 V8 into an early Ranger,
- Looking for factory specs,
- Or planning a coast-to-coast off-road trip…
You’ll find the information, inspiration, and experience here to help you succeed.
“The Ranger Station was built from the ground up—just like my trucks. I want every visitor to feel supported, empowered, and part of something bigger than themselves.”
— Jim Oaks