I ran open differentials and 33" MTs with no lift for a LONG time. I did alright, nothing spectacular. Pick a line, stick with that line with contingency plans, and remember that momentum (not speed) is your friend.
I haven't had the lockers and lift even a year. The lockers make it about 10x easier.
The only thing that ever stopped me were potential for dents and Spaz with an axe.