Damn what an honor it is to have a company like Buschur developing parts for this platform!
I remember you guys from the Evo 8/9 days, especially big Al from dynoflash who always yelled "Buschur power bro!" Before he used to race his modded Evo...
Anyways, i hope to get my Ecoboost soon and...
If your mini is really about to go, I'd sell and try to find a good minimal money down lease deal that allows 3rd party buyouts. Check leasehackr.com
Alternatively, just find a Maverick on the lot and at MSRP and be willing to spend a few thousand to ship to you.
Don't think any mode locks the AWD system. Given it's not a true 4wd system, it will never be 'locked'. I do think sand mode allows the most wheel spin across all 4 wheels, where mud/ruts does more individual wheel braking to send power to the wheels with power.
Remember reading some Motor1 or autoblog article about it a while ago, and remember immediately dismissing it because 1) the initial pictures of it didn't do it much justice and 2) I had low expectations given how outdated the Ranger is..
I recall this past fall when the press got their hands...