Check out TrailsOffroad.com. Most trails should be opening back up around that time around Idaho Springs, Arapahoe National Forrest area. If you go further south (Woodland Park) they tend to stay open year round. My personal favorites are Hackett Gultch, Longwater Gultch, Slaughterhouse Gultch...
You would have to jack it up under the axle as high as you can, take the tires off and then place jack stands under the frame. Then when you lower the axle you should have enough room to work.
I've had that happen in every 4wd I've been in, both in snow and sand. It happens when your traction isn't all translated to forward progress and that torque has to go somewhere. I recently saw it on an old episode of Top Gear where they tested a Raptor vs a Z71 in snow. I'd say it's normal, not...
I live in CO as well. I traded my Sierra AT4 for the JT. The AT4 was just too big for the trails here and the JT is still enough to tow my Evo or SxS when I need to. I do miss the extra room in the full size sometimes.
I used this on my Hawse fairlead. Works great, not flimsy. Colorado requires a front plate as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NJ4FB7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Looks like its right over the exhaust manifold. Has heat bothered it at all? My ARB is in the fender well which makes it a pain when something needs to be fixed. I like your location better.
Just a few comparisons I have noticed between my buddy and his wife who we camp with who has a RTT on his Taco, and my wife and I who camp on the ground with a tent.
- He will have his tent setup before me "if" we are on a large portion of level ground. The leveling thing also seems to limit...
I'd say at a very minimum, you should have a snatch rope and two shackles (D-rings or Soft). That way all you need is someone to show up and you have the gear.
I have:
Winch
15ft chain (Was given to me so I keep it in the truck, only use it for dragging limbs and stuff)
25ft strap
2 Soft...
I think it really just comes down to the fact that some people choose function over appearance. It's not like the Wrangler was really designed with style in mind, it's clearly more focused on performing a specific function. I bought my lights to provide more light, I put more consideration into...