If your budget stretches to 2006 model. The ford Rangers are a better vehicle for both power and ride quality. I own a 2009 model. And spend a lot of time on the beach. The extra power helps tackle the sand.
Still gets 9L to the 100km.
Both utes are torsion bars so big lifts are impossible. So a decent set of Tyres is all it needs.
Damo's dodgy boat building repair centre.