2wd vs 4 wd?

It totally depends on where you go. If you stay mainly on paved or good gravel roads, you may not need it. If you like back roads, sandy beaches, winter camping (assuming snow) you probably won't want to be without it. Personally, we use 4-wheel drive nearly every gone we go out, but we don't stay on good roads - we explore logging roads and the back country. As mentioned before, limited slip helps, but it's no where as good as four wheel drive. 4x2s often don't have limited slip unless ordered as an option, but I'm not aware of any 4x4 that doesn't come with it. Don't worry about more maintenance or worse mileage with 4x4 as there really isn't any difference. Payload is reduced a little bit, but you're only talking a few hundred pounds; hopefully you're not that close to your capacity. Resale is also way better with a 4x4 - a two wheel drive is nearly impossible to sell in our area. Folks who use their trucks for double duty - towing RVs and for work often prefer the four wheel capability as well.