sgtsandman

Name: Keith Black

Forum Name / Link: sgtsandman

TRS Volunteer Staff Position: Forum Moderator

Location: Aliquippa, PA

Year Born: 1969

Occupation: Aircraft Fuel Systems Mechanic as a Civilian Technician and an Aircraft Maintenance Quality Assurance Inspector and Assistant Unit Deployment Manager as a Traditional Guardsman and for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard

Background & Expertise

Brief biography:

I am currently both a civilian technician and drilling guardsman with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard doing fuel system work on the KC-135 Stratotanker. Having been with the unit for 38 years as a drilling guardsman and 26 years as a civilian. The nature of the job not only requires fixing leaks and replacing components, but also doing structural work on the aircraft in order to fix the issue. Outside of work, I have done a lot of outdoors stuff. Tent camping, hunting, mountain and road biking, search and rescue, and volunteering with a sportsman’s club, the VFW, and the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America.

How long have you been a member of The Ranger Station?

I’ve been a member since March of 2017

How did you first get into Ford Rangers or off-roading?

I bought a broken-down rear wheel drive 1998 Ford Ranger with a blown head gasket around 2008, getting into a bit of restoration project. The thing had been neglected and ridden hard. As far as off roading, that really started with the first TRS meet at the Badlands with my 2011 Ford Ranger.

Any certifications, qualifications, or education worth noting?

I have an Associates degree in Aircraft Accessory Systems Technology. Other certifications and education are too numerous to list due to military life and volunteering with search and rescue.

What specific areas of expertise or interest do you bring to TRS?

Years of general preventative and repair work on vehicles. I’ve replaced engines, worked on manual transmissions, replaced suspension components, axles, and body panels. I like camping and trail riding and chatting and meeting the members of the forum.

What kind of Ranger(s) (or Bronco II, Explorer, etc.) do you currently own or have owned in the past?

1998 Ford Ranger XLT, RWD, Regular Cab, 6-foot bed, 2.5 Lima, M5OD-R1 Transmission, 4.10:1 7.5″ Axle, and 9″ Drums with RABS – SOLD still currently on the road

2011 Ford Ranger XLT, 4X4, Super Cab, 6-foot bed, 4.0 SOHC, M5OD-R1HD Transmission, 3.73:1 Dana 35 SLA front axle and 8.8″ 28-spline rear axle with disc brakes

2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, 4X4, Super Crew, 5-foot bed 2.3 Ecoboost, 10R80 Transmission, 3.73:1 AdvanTek M190 front axle and M220 rear axle with factory electronic locker

Contribution to TRS

What do you do at TRS?

I help moderate the forum, assist members with issues concerning their Ranger or RBV, and contribute at forum events.

Do you contribute or help with specific areas of the forum?

I have build threads for both of my trucks.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the TRS community?

Interacting with the members, especially at events.

 

Fun & Personal

Favorite Ford vehicle ever?

My favorite is my 2011 Ford Ranger

Favorite mod or upgrade you’ve ever done?

My favorite is making the 2019 into an overlanding rig.

Most memorable off-road trip or experience?

My most favorite was the Land between the Lakes trip in 2024

One piece of advice you’d give to a new Ranger owner:

It doesn’t have to be done all at once. Take your time and do it right so you don’t have to do it again.