Thinking about building a ranger prerunner. I've heard it recommended to buy a 2-wheel drive vehicle if you're building a prerunner truck. A friend told me not to get a 4-wheel drive ranger because prerunning would put too much stress on the transfer case. But I've also heard of people having real issues with 2-wheel drive prerunners when getting into sand etc. Any advice?

(Important note: I'm not planning to enter any races, this is just for fun.)

 

Welcome to the forum

A "pre-runner" was what off-road racers used to "pre" "run" a race course, before taking their full race trucks(read super expensive) out, so no big surprises, lol.

Most were 2WD because they were/are cheaper to fix if you crash or bang them up running a race course at speed

Pre-runners "models" can be what you want, they are not being used to Pre-Run a race course, its become a term for a model of vehicle.

Front wheel drive cars do better in the snow and sand for TWO reasons
1. engine weight is on the Drive wheels so better traction
2. it is easier to PULL a load than to PUSH a load, front drive wheels PULL you thru the snow or sand, even on 4x4s, Rear wheel drive vehicles tend to get front wheels buried from being PUSHED from behind.

A 4x4 is better, just because you have the option of getting front wheel drive if needed, you can run in 2WD the rest of the time
4x4 transfer cases split the engine power 50/50 to front and rear axles so it is better to use 4WD on non-paved or slippery roads to allow slippage between drive lines.

AWD uses a fluid coupler like a torque converter so dry paved roads are not a problem but.............they split power 30/70 to do this, so are OK but can get you stuck vs 50/50 4x4