Name: Justin Russell
Forum Name / Link: 85_Ranger4x4
What Do You Do Here: Forum Moderator / Event Staff
Location: Stanton, Iowa
Year Born: 1984
Occupation: Ag Repair Parts Manager
Vehicle Details: 1985 Ford Ranger Custom 4×4. ’87 302, Edelbrock 4bbl, M5ODR2 transmission, twin stick NP-205, 3″BL, ’96 Explorer 8.8 3.73TL, ’95 Ranger D35.
How long you’ve been a member of TRS: Since 2002. Moderator since 2017.
Brief Biography: I have a small farmstead in rural Iowa where I farm with vintage farm equipment and work on my 1985 Ford Ranger that I got my sophomore year of high school… in 2000. I also have two kids, my oldest is into everything Ford Ranger, off-roading and camping.
Any certifications, qualifications, or education worth noting? I have a Manufacturing Engineering degree with experience in R&D and automotive/ag/heavy truck part sales.
How did you first get into Ford Rangers or off-roading? A farmer came into my dad’s ag repair shop with a little Ford Ranger that was an interesting green. It also had a “For Sale” sign in the back window… and the rest is history.
What specific areas of expertise or interest do you bring to TRS? I really like my First Gen Ranger. I have done a lot of research on it and work to mine. I have swapped everything but the frame and body… and I have a different bed yet to put on it. I have dabbled in everything but paint/bodywork so far and I intend to earn that merit badge as well. Trying to keep it period correct looking adds a significant level of difficultly… which to me adds to the fun of it.
What kind of Ranger(s) (or Bronco II, Explorer, etc.) do you currently own or have owned in the past? I’ve only ever had one, my current 1985 Ranger.
Favorite mod or upgrade you’ve ever done? V8 swap, after getting a reliable powerplant in it many more possibilities opened up. Both in the form of more mods and even long-distance travel.
Most memorable off-road trip or experience? 2024 Vagabond trip to run a section the Kentucky Adventure Trail with my then 4yo son.
One piece of advice you’d give to a new Ranger owner: Go slow, don’t rush into doing something you may regret later. Don’t give up the ship.
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. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.