Armor and winch vs. lift and tires.

Question and/or debate.

If someone bought a rig (tacoma...) and wanted to wheel it but was on a budget, what would be there wisest decision armor and winch or lift and tires? Lets leave out looks (after all looks won't get you home).
I'll start off... I vote for armor and winch. With most of my or experience being with land rover enthusiast (most of those guys dont lift there trucks more than two inches) I've learned that vehicle preservation is key.
Reasons...
- bodywork and drivetrain work/ damage is$$$
- a winch could bring you any where and get you home.
- a stock vechicle increases your driving skills
- getting stuck will increase your recovery skills

What do you think?

 

Armor and winch can fix you getting stuck in stock tires as easily as it can fix you getting stuck in big tires.

Winch and lift will always help you. Tires and lift won't get you unstuck.

 

sliders and tires is my vote. i believe sliders will save more of your truck than a bumper will and proper tires for the terrain will improve your wheeling. never wheel alone and then you can get pulled out of a mess

 

Good point!