I'd agree with the others. A winch is great and will get you out of just about any stuck situation, but if you 4wheel in a group (as you always should), then a winch isn't quite as important. Start out with some good tires and possibly a lift. If you haven't already, take off your running boards. Sooner or later they'll come off. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

The most important thing is to learn the limits of your truck, which can only be done with trail-time. You'll soon learn what you can and can't do in a stock truck, at which point your wallet will start losing weight as you utter statements like "You know, with a locker, I would've made it." <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />