Sometimes the nicest customs, don’t look all that custom. They look great, get your attention, but nothing jumps out at you as being ‘custom’. Sometimes you have to look at a vehicle and try to figure out what’s different about it that makes it looks so good. If it’s done right, it’ll all come together so well, it’ll look like it was originally made that way.
Case in point is Billy’s Red Sled (Casper98’s 1998 Ford Ranger).
While the truck looks like it could have come from Ford like this, it didn’t. The front features a billet grille and a red valance (bumper cover) from a Ford Ranger Edge. The hood is from a Ranger Edge as well. It also features new clear headlights and corners.
The truck has been lowered using a DJM 4/5 drop, and it rolls on 17-inch Cobra R wheels.
Around back you may not quickly notice it, but the taillights are from a 2006 model, and the Ford logo has been changed from blue to red to match. The Tonneau cover is from Snugtop.
Stock interior? Of course not. Pay attention. The seats and center console are from a Ford Explorer. The door panels and radio bezel were painted red to match the exterior.
The gauges are from an Explorer Sport Trac.
This is definitely a very clean and tasteful build. The owner has more modifications on his list of things to do. We can’t wait to see the future upgrades.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.
