I had a 03 ranger that was 4wd but I rarely had to put it in 4wd. Even when I did it was mostly to keep from tearing up a slope. So I think a 2wd will be fine as long as you make good choices. All I can remember doing to the ranger was replacing some suspension bushings and a belt (once). I did have a check engine light that was on the past year or so I had it but it was a sensor.

Now I have a Mule FXT pro (6 seater) and I use the 4wd more often but its roughly double the weight of the old ranger I had.