This 1997 Ford Ranger 4×4 is owned by forum member CrazyWhiteBoy. It’s powered by a 4.0L V6 that’s backed by a 5-speed manual transmission and BW1354 manual transfer case.
After years of abusing the Dana 35, he decided to upgrade to a full width Dana 44 front with a Ford 9-inch rear.
The front axle was fitted with 5.13 gears and a Lock-Right locker.
The rear axle was fitted with 5.14 gears and a spool.
The front suspension is 14-inch FOA 2.0 remote reservoir coilovers 200#/300#
The rear suspension is 14-inch FOA 2.0 smooth body remote reservoirs with early 2000 2WD F-150 rear leaves with an elliptical shackle setup.
He finished it up with 38.5 x 16 x 15 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws.
That lasted for a while, but he eventually upgraded again to a 1979 Dana 60 front axle with 5.38 gears, and a Sterling 10.25 rear axle with 5.38 gears and a welded differential.
The tires were upgraded to 38.5-inch TSL SX tires
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
