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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Photos:
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station (TRS), 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 overlanding 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 adventures. TRS has been heavily referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information.
