I did go to an offroadeo and was a great experience. Agreed I would only use lockers when stuck or maybe deep sand But OP is asking about heavy snow in which case 4H is most definitely appropriate On road on unplowed surfaces. 2H is not going to be good in snow unless maybe with dedicated snow...
Color matching interior to exterior usually doesn’t look great if that’s the plan except maybe black on black.
for AMB, lots of interior colors would look good. Dark brown or greys as others have said. Even red for a bolder look.
Snowed recently here, on uncleared roads 4H is superior to 4A, but my 2020 STi with locking diffs and Pirelli Sottozero performance winter tires was better than my Bronco on Ridge Grapplers which kind of suck in snow.
Tires are key.
I thought the big HP 2.3 EB mustangs, RS, etc needed a built motor after like 450ish whp. I remember them actually doing 2.0 liter built motors.
Damn, 500 whp in my two door 7mt Badlands would be pretty insane. My Cobb AP Tuned STi is close to that. Never had it in a manual 4x4 though
Most states have tax break on trading in cars to dealer where you only pay tax on the difference between trade in price and new purchase so while trade in value might be lower, tax break might offset that and you dont have to deal with private party sale, tire kickers, and straight up aholes and...
Welcome! My dad is only a couple of years younger than you and a Navy vet served in Pacific during Vietnam. He’s in good health but definitely not buying new Bronco and traveling the country. I also don't think he could post a pic in an online forum! you arent old !