Sliders fend off stuff...and protect the flanks...and even cresting a steep hill can catch the mid-section of a rig/hi-center it/crimp the metal....so you don't need rocks to mess up your ride.



Also - You need the sliders to hi-lift out of trouble...there's no where to hi-lift from on a stock rig w/o them...and, a 2wd is likely to need to get a lift now and again, as its more likely to get stuck in the 1st place.

A winch is a great addition...a 2wd with a winch can get through places that a 4wd w/o one can't.



A rear locker can add lots of capabilities...

Aggressive tires can make a HUGE difference...and you only need two of them.



All the mods that help a 4wd will do the same for a 2wd...skids, SL/BL, etc.