So how did you lay it on the side in that ditch? Trackers are not fast, they can be made faster, but you don't need fast for off road.
Your plan is what I would recommend; drive it and enjoy what it will do, the when you can afford parts do it. You will find they are pretty capable just stockish. You won't get far in the "Island Cup", but you have lots of roads to run if your on Vancouver.