I have had my 99 3L ranger on the dunes once. I have a hell of a time with the 4wheel loking in ford royaly screwed up the design of the front vaccum hubs, but anyway in four high its a lil bit of a struggle. i have toyo cross country tires and they blow, but with 10lbs it climbs test at about 6grand and a prayer. new tires and i really dont think it would have a problem. you shouldnt have any problem your truck is a lil heavier than mine. but with 4 wheel you will have a bunch of fun! good luck bro
i got the same truck and i agree with the hub design. my vaccum pump is out right now so i cant lock in the hubs. pos.
Both of you here is the answer.
http://www.ruggedridgesales.com/Rugged-Ridge-PRD174.aspxAVM/Rugged Ridge hubs replaces your PVH hubs to manual lock outs.
OR if your due for wheel bearings. get 2001-03 wheel bearings and CV axles and you can convert your truck to live axle that way no more worries about hubs.
also with the 3.0L 4x4. 4High was your problem those little motors DO NOT like to rev just run her in 4Low and you will walk up test hill no problem my buddy identical truck to mine but with a 3.0L runs 4Low and has 100% no issues getting up anything.
Hell I run my 4.0L OHV in 4Low all day at the dunes for the simple fact it keeps my auto trans at 150deg all the time thats normal cruising temps on the road. where as if I run 4high I am over 200deg. I do it just to save my trans.
