Seconding the recommendation above about protection! Honestly, if your hitting rocky trails next month, skip the lights for now. I'm fairly new to this too, but I've learned that you basically want to protect the stuff that'll leave you stranded first. Everyone talks about sliders, but don't overlook a good diff cover. I picked up the Ford Performance Bronco Differential Cover by Dana and it's super solid for the price, plus it gives me so much peace of mind when I hear that terrifying "clunk" on a rock lol. Also, since your on a budget and focused on safety, definitely grab a ARB ARB600 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge and Inflator. Airing down is literal the best thing you can do for traction and ride comfort on rocks, and it costs way less than a winch. I'm so satisfied with how much more capable my Bronco felt just by dropping the PSI. Plus, it's safer for your tires too. Good luck with the trip, its gonna be a blast!

Yo, congrats on the new rig! Honestly, the Bronco is sooo capable stock, but I totally get the itch to mod it. For your trip next month, I'd highkey suggest looking at protection vs. recovery gear first... i mean, if youre hitting rocks, you basically need to decide between Rock Slide Engineering Gen 3 Step Sliders or standard rails. In my experience, here is how I see it: 1. Rock Slide Engineering Gen 3 Step Sliders vs. standard armor: The RSE ones are killer because they protect the body and work as a power step, but they're expensive. Standard rails are cheaper but don't help you get in. 2. MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards vs. a Winch: Boards are way cheaper and literal life-savers in mud, though maybe less useful on pure rock?? A winch like the WARN VR EVO 10-S Winch with Synthetic Rope is the gold standard for recovery, but it's a much bigger install and cost. Honestly, I think you should prioritize the sliders first cuz body damage is forever lol. Plus, they look decent and help with the daily drive. gl on the trip!!

Check out the comparison data on Bronco6G... it's a great resource. Tip: Grab the Rough Country Full Skid Plate Kit for about $600 or the Asfir 4x4 Aluminum Engine Skid Plate for $350. Unfortunately, I had issues with thinner alloys failing on rocks. Steel is basically essential for ur trip next month cuz it slides way better than gouged aluminum. gl!

Works great for me

Ngl, whatever you do, DONT cheap out on your underbody protection. I once bought budget sliders that buckled the second they touched a boulder, basically trashing my rocker panel... it was a total nightmare. For rocks, skip the lights and get heavy-duty sliders and skid plates first. Protection is way more important than recovery gear when you're starting out. TL;DR: Skids and sliders first to avoid expensive body damage!

Facts.