I have a 2wd pickup but i love to go off roading, wut is the easiest/best ways to make the 2 wd get the job done...  

A. get a 4x4 or,B. get a locker, mud tires and a heavy right foot!

a two wheel drive play toy!  I just finished my 2nd beer after work.  First of all lift the front 1-3 inches above the rear to transfer wieght to the power axle and install a lockright or detroit ez locker.  wide tires all the way around not just the rear so the front will float better.  the rest is what you want to do like a winch or come-a long so that when the right foot don't make it through.  I can say that when a 69' chevy was all i had it was as much fun as having a 4x4 now and a learning experience.  It is fun to play trails with cars like mavericks and toyota cornas taking jumps on the power lines a such.  it was fun to wheel what you had and drive the hell out of it.  

obviously a locker will be the best bet. you will have to baja obstacles that 4x4 can crawl so make sure you have lots of suspension travel, good dampening, and bumpstops.  basically like a pre runner. if you're just planning easy trails, a little ground clearance and locker will get you around but since you're modifying a 2wd to perform off road, build it like a pre runner/desert racer. at least it will be cool then.  

Hey me and my buddy just got back from 2x4'in and we got really stuck i mean we burried it in the mud. (his 92 nissan 1/2 ton) good thing be brought the block and tackle or we would still be there.  

I have to agree with the masses... slam a locker on and get those nice tires and wheels goin and see what happens with that. I also agree about the 3 inch lift in the front, makes perfect sense.

Sell it and get a 4x4 other wise its just a pain in the ass. Especially if you get stuck. but if you must keep it, emotional attachment or something, go with what everyone else said, Lockers, good tires, lift in front.  

Also id bring up the rear a bit or u will be draging your ass all over the place.