Uncle Gump

Name: Tom

Forum Name / Link: Uncle Gump

TRS Volunteer Staff Position: Forum Moderator – Event Staff

Joined TRS: September 2018

Location: Plano, Illinois… Doing everything I can to get back to my home state of Michigan.

Born: Flint, MI 1962

Occupation: ASE/State of Michigan Master Technician. Spent my early years at independent repair facilities and dealers doing complete vehicle repair. Entered into the engineering world as a time study technician. That evolved into tech writer/service engineer and also included Instructor at Ford Dyno Lab in Dearborn. I also owned my own business called Tubular Toys… a VW/dune buggy shop. I currently own and operate a franchise pizzeria in Illinois… with hope of early retirement back in Northern Michigan.

Background & Expertise

Brief biography:

Semi-Retired

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

Been coming longer than my join date with a different screen name but forgot what it was… so whenever my join date is

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

My first Ranger I bought new in 1988. I started off roading in First Gen Broncos… when you could buy a rusty one for $600 – $800. Then I went all in with VW Dune Buggies.

Any certifications, qualifications, or education worth noting?

Graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute Automotive Technology… Class of “1981”. ASE/State of Michigan Master Technician. Numerous Factory classes through Ford/GM/Suppliers and Aftermarket Parts Companies

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

I stayed well rounded in my professional career and could have something to add to nearly any topic being discussed. My fishing adventures.

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

I’ve owned 11 Rangers over the years with the first being bought new in 1988. I swapped a 302/AOD into it in the late 90’s. My current Ranger is a 2006 Sport 4×4 with a 4.0L SOHC and Automatic Transmission. I’m taking it in an overland direction. It sits on 32-inch Cepek tires on Procomp series 69 wheels. Rides on stock suspension and KYB MonoMax shocks with an AirLift system in the rear. It has a Leer 100XQ cab high cap and will get a custom roof rack/canoe hauler. I’ve installed a pair of AOR bumpers with NiLight LED lighting. The rear bumper is getting a spare tire carrier. I also want to upfit the cap for camping and include roof mounted rod holders, sleeping platform with underneath storage and some lighting. It will also get a CB radio and on-board air system.

My last purchase was an 86 Bronco II… which is my 12th RBV I’ve owned. This is a work in process and is intended to be my OFFROAD rig and Friday night Cruiser.

Contribution to TRS

What do you do at TRS?

I’m a Staff Member/Forum Moderator. I help keep the forums free of SPAM… keep the peace when necessary… greet new members and be helpful throughout all the forums. I also move a bunch of posts to the proper forum to keep the search function work better when searching a particular subject and keeping the forums tidy. I’m part of the Event Staff and help plan events but I likely got that title because I make a pretty good campfire pizza. I’m also a Vagabond… timing/health issues/aging parent have prevented me from actually making a trip with the crew. I still wanna cry a little when I think about what I’ve missed and have to miss in the Colorado trip.

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

I try to be helpful wherever help is needed.

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

This is easy… The TRUCKS….and of course the people that own them.

Fun & Personal

Favorite Ford vehicle ever?

First Gen Bronco

Favorite mod or upgrade you’ve ever done?

I like all my mods… but the AOR Bumpers with tire carrier.

Most memorable off-road trip or experience?

So many I can’t pick one. I truly enjoy the TRS events.

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

Buy the best parts you can afford… ask questions. It’s probably been done before and most members are glad to help.

Hobbles:

Fly fishing/Fly Tying, Hunting, Camping and Canoeing. I enjoy antiques and a good garage sale. I closed my antiques shop but still love the collectables. I’m also an avid gardener and enjoy not only growing but canning and preserving the bounty. The dream is to build a Northern Michigan modern day homestead and become more self-reliant.

Uncle Gump is the man behind the famous TRS camp pizza!