I have one foot on both sides of the fence on this topic. I have a '03 F-150 2wd 4.5 long travel suspension 305/75/16 (33/12.5) BF T/A KO's 4.56 gears and a truetrac. I take it to the dunes and up in the snow. Both places people ask "that's only 2wd how did you get here? "

You can go far with a modified 2wd. Just keep your 4x4 buddies close and know your driving skill and the surface condition limits.

My vote keep your 2wd and upgrade it till it does everything you want it to do even if that means adding a t-case and a front axle.

 

pretty much agree with everyone else. its just a work in progress but if you were to buy 4x4 you will be happy with the rusults

 

Anyone else notice how the original poster has not responded yet? Hmmm

 

Ohhhkayyyy...where did you get a price of $3k for JK Rubi axles? I highly doubt it, truth is they go for about that each axle, little less for the rear. The only stronger part in the driveline would be the Atlas Vs. the beefy 4:1 transcase they already put in the stock Rubi's.

 

they probably burned it for insurance purposes as recommended in here and don't want to post for legal reasons

 

The front runs about $1500, the rear about $1400. This is from MOPAR. JK D44's, with lockers and 4.10 gears. Switches and wiring are extra.

EDIT- for $3K/axle you can be looking at some D60s

 

4wd Hardware, it's no secret.