Name: Anson J. Nichols
Forum Name / Link: 97RangerXLT
Location: Fishers, IN
Year Born: 1971
Occupation: Prod Support Analyst for a large hospital system (IT)
Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Computers, Cars
Vehicle Details: 1997 Ranger SuperCab 4×4. 4.0 and Automatic transmission with Warn Jeep hubs
How long you’ve been a member of TRS: Since September of 2007, right after the site was changed. Moderator since 2013,
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.